The EURORDIS Black Pearl Awards will return on 15 February 2027, bringing together people living with rare diseases, patient advocates, researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers and other members of the rare disease community. The ceremony will take place in Brussels and online as part of a wider programme linked to Rare Disease Day.
Organised by EURORDIS–Rare Diseases Europe since 2012, the annual awards recognise contributions made by individuals and organisations working to improve the lives of people living with rare diseases. They cover areas including patient advocacy, scientific research, policymaking, leadership, public awareness, community support and patient engagement.
Recognising different forms of contribution
The Black Pearl Awards were created to give greater visibility to work carried out across the rare disease community. Award recipients have included patient advocates and patient organisations, scientists, policymakers, companies, volunteers and members of the media.
The name of the awards refers to Tahitian black pearls, which are valued for their rarity and distinctive character. EURORDIS chose the image as a way of representing the individuals and organisations whose work has made a particular contribution to the community.
The award categories have developed over time to reflect the different ways in which progress can be made. Alongside awards for scientific, policy and organisational contributions, the programme includes a Young Advocate Award, a Photo Award and a Social Media Award. More information about the categories and their criteria is available on the Black Pearl Awards nominations page.
From an in-person ceremony to a hybrid event
The first Black Pearl Awards ceremony was held in 2012. Nine in-person editions were followed by two online ceremonies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2023, the awards have used a hybrid format, allowing members of the community to attend in Brussels or follow the ceremony online.
The programme also creates opportunities for members of the rare disease community to contribute directly. Submissions are currently open for the EURORDIS Photo Award 2027, which invites photographs representing experiences and perspectives connected to living with a rare disease.
Public voting will also form part of the 2027 programme. Finalists for the Social Media Award will be selected before the winner is determined through a public vote. Further information about public voting for the Photo Award and Social Media Award is expected to be published from December.
The 2027 edition
The next Black Pearl Awards ceremony will take place on Monday, 15 February 2027, at the Cardo Hotel in Brussels and online. Registration is expected to open at a later date.
The 2027 edition will continue a programme that has developed over more than a decade, recognising work carried out both within and alongside rare disease communities. Details about the ceremony, award categories and opportunities to participate will be published on the EURORDIS Black Pearl Awards website.
