Research on rare diseases is critically important to 300 million people worldwide affected by one of the around 8,000 known rare diseases. Studying these diseases can help us to better understand fundamental pathomechanisms which may lead to the development of new therapies for rare diseases, but also for more common disorders. This symposium focuses on cutting-edge insights from basic and clinical science and their translation into the development of novel therapeutic strategies. The Research for Rare Networks, supported by the German Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, is proud to share innovative and exciting results and hopes to increase enthusiasm for rare diseases research.

Rebecca Schüle (Heidelberg University Hospital) and Thomas Klopstock (LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich), on behalf of the Research for Rare consortium, welcome you cordially to the upcoming symposium taking place from 22-24 April 2026 in the beautiful surroundings of Lake Starnberg. The conference is organised by the coordinating office of the German Research Networks on Rare Diseases.