The EURORDIS Black Pearl Awards have been held annually since 2012 to recognise outstanding achievements by people living with a rare disease and those working alongside them — including patient advocates and organisations, policymakers, scientists, companies and others committed to improving lives. From February 2023, the awards became a fully hybrid event, enabling participation both in person in Brussels and online.
For 2026, the ceremony will take place on Tuesday, 24 February at the Cardo Hotel, Brussels, with online participation available via EURORDIS’ interactive platform. The awards ceremony will also be translated into 61 languages.
Date: Tuesday, 24 February
City/venue: Cardo Hotel, Brussels (plus interactive online platform)
Times (local):
18:30–19:30 Welcome reception and networking
19:30–22:30 Awards ceremony and seated dinner with live performances (online streaming begins at 20:00)
22:30–23:00 Coffee, desserts and networking
Accessibility: Awards ceremony translated into 61 languages
Registration: Register for the Black Pearl Awards
More information: EURORDIS Black Pearl Awards