The landscape of medical research is shifting: rare disease patient advocates are no longer just participants, they are the architects of discovery. Driven by an urgent need for life-saving treatments, these leaders are spearheading research initiatives with unprecedented momentum. To support this movement, Global Genes (IRDiRC Patient Advocates Constituent Committee member), in partnership with Boston Children’s Hospital and the Termeer Institute, will be hosting the annual RARE Drug Development Symposium.
Returning to Boston for its second year following a sold-out 2025 event, this 2.5 day symposium is specifically designed to equip advocates, industry leaders, and academic experts with the tools to navigate early-stage research with clinical precision and confidence.
Attendees will have a mix of main stage sessions, targeted breakouts, group presentations, and hands-on workshopping. Whether you’re initiating research efforts or looking to refine your strategy, this symposium offers practical insights to accelerate progress in research strategies and activities.
Event details:
- Date: September 9–11, 2026
- Location: David Rubenstein Treehouse at Harvard University, Boston, MA (USA)
- More information: https://globalgenes.org/rdds-2026/