New survey aims to give under-represented countries a stronger voice in rare-disease research
A new questionnaire, “Promoting capacity-development actions” – has been released under one of the teams developing the European Rare Diseases Research Alliance (ERDERA) team that focuses on harmonization of the different national capacities. The goal is simple but urgent: to capture first-hand evidence of the funding gaps, technical hurdles and policy barriers that still keep many low- and middle-income or smaller European nations on the sidelines of global rare-disease science.
Upcoming workshop: Unlocking the complexity of rare diseases through knowledge graphs
Understanding the intricate biological mechanisms underlying rare diseases remains one of the greatest challenges in biomedical research. In response to this complexity, ERDERA is pleased to host the Rare Disease Maps Workshop—a two-day virtual event designed to explore how knowledge graphs and disease mapping can advance research in this field.
EU rare disease conference concludes in Warsaw with renewed focus on early diagnosis and collaborative research
The two-day conference at the Medical University of Warsaw, held under the auspices of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council, concluded with a strong appeal for more integrated research, faster diagnostics, and closer cooperation between national and European policymakers.
Rare Disease conference kicks off in Warsaw: Building momentum for a unified EU strategy
Goverment officials, medical experts, patient organisations, and top researchers gathered today at the Medical University of Warsaw for the opening of “Towards an EU Action Plan on Rare Diseases.” Held under the auspices of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council and co-organised by the Polish Ministry of Health, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), and the Medical University of Warsaw, the event spotlighted the need for concrete, Europe-wide measures to help people affected by rare conditions.
“Knowing there’s a place where someone will listen, understand, and guide you towards what’s best for your child is invaluable.”
My name is Dorica Dan. I’m from Romania, and I serve as the President of the Romanian Prader-Willi Association (RPWA)—my daughter has Prader-Willi Syndrome. I’m also the President of the Romanian National Alliance for Rare Diseases (RONARD) and the Romanian Rare Cancers Association. In addition, I am currently Vice-President of EURORDIS – Rare Diseases Europe. My main area of expertise is integrated care for people living with rare diseases. I believe patients need a holistic approach—encompassing medical care, social care, and special education services. I’ve been deeply involved in promoting and developing structures that provide this kind of comprehensive support.
ERDERA training for young advocates for rare diseases – Open call for participants
ERDERA is excited to announce a unique two-day, in-person training event in Athens, Greece, designed for young advocates for rare diseases aged 12 to 18 years with essential knowledge and skills to actively contribute to paediatric clinical research.
Rare disease experts to gather in Warsaw to shape Europe’s future strategy
A conference entitled “Towards an EU Action Plan on Rare Diseases” will be held on 10 April 2025 at the Medical University of Warsaw, Poland, under the auspices of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council. Organised by the Polish Ministry of Health, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), and the Medical University of Warsaw, the event will mark an important step in shaping future European policy on rare diseases. This high-level meeting will bring together policymakers, researchers, clinicians, and patient representatives to discuss key priorities for a European action plan. With national strategies evolving, the focus now shifts READ MORE
ERDERA joins the 5th International Conference on Rare Diseases
On 27–28 March, ERDERA will participate in the 5th International Conference on Rare Diseases, held in Athens, Greece. ERDERA’s Scientific Coordinator, Daria Julkowska, will be among the esteemed speakers at this event, organised by Rare Diseases Greece (RDG), EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe, and Boussias Events, with the support of ERDERA. This conference will focus on the theme: “Sustainability in Action: Rethinking the Rare Disease Paradigm from Prevention to HTA and Access.”
ERDERA has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement N°101156595.
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ERDERA is coordinated by Insem