Decoding RNA: How AI and Nanopore Sequencing Reveal Hidden Molecular Structures
PhD defence, Thursday 22 October, Johan Nygaard Vinther
RNA plays essential roles in all living cells, but its structure can be difficult to determine. In this PhD project, Johan Nygaard Vinther developed new computational methods that use artificial intelligence, molecular simulations, and nanopore sequencing data to study RNA structure and interactions. The work provides new ways to predict RNA folding and detect structural changes directly from experimental measurements. These advances may help researchers better understand biological processes and support the development of future RNA-based technologies and medicines.
The PhD study was completed at Section for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (BiRC) and Interdiciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Faculty of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University.
This summary was prepared by the PhD student.
Time: Thursday, 22 October 2026 at 14:00
Place: Building 1870, room 816, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Universitetsbyen 81, Aarhus C
Title of PhD thesis: Computational approaches for understanding nucleic acid structure and dynamics
Contact information: Johan Nygaard Vinther, e-mail: jnv@birc.au.dk tel.: +45 29269091
Members of the assessment committee:
CTO Rene Hedegaard Thomsen, Evido Health, Copenhagen, Denmark
Professor Julius B. Lucks, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, United States
Professor Ditlev Egeskov Brodersen (chair), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Denmark
Main supervisor: Associate Professor Christian Nørgaard Storm Pedersen, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Denmark
Co-supervisor: Professor Ebbe Sloth Andersen, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Denmark
Language: The PhD dissertation will be defended in English
The defence is public.
The PhD thesis is available for reading at the Graduate School of Natural Sciences/GSNS, Ny Munkegade 120, building 1521, 8000 Aarhus C