Making rare diseases an every day conversation

Cambridge Rare Disease Network

Cambridge Rare Disease Network is a platform for change. It is the infrastructure that unites patients, advocates, experts and leaders to address the challenges faced by people affected by rare diseases. By sharing knowledge and experience, and working together, the journey towards better diagnosis, treatment and support for patients and their families is smoother and more certain. 

Group of adults and children at a party

Buildings supportive communities

We know that living with a rare disease can be scary, overwhelming and isolating.

We’re building a thriving network of individuals, families, advocacy groups and the professionals who work with them so they can engage, listen to and support each other better.

Building supportive communities for better patient outcomes.

Dr Jagtar Singh RAREfest18

Educating, connecting, collaborating

Rare diseases may be individually uncommon, but with almost 11,000 conditions affecting 400 million people worldwide, they are collectively significant.

Yet, only 5% have an available treatment—we’re determined to change that.

By bringing together leading scientists, cutting-edge technology, patients, and healthcare professionals, we’re driving progress toward faster diagnosis, new treatments and better care coordination.

Rare summit 2026 logo

RAREsummit26

Join us on Wednesday 7 October 2026 at Hinxton Hall Conference Centre

A flagship CamRARE event gathering 300 great minds in rare diseases to make connections, exchange ideas and openly debate possibilities.

I wanted to thank you wholeheartedly for your brilliant partnership ethos, for organising hugely informative and engaging events to move the rare disease thinking and research forward, and creating the soil in which productive collaborative relationships can grow and flourish.


Grazina Berry • CEO, Aplastic Anaemia Trust

Unique Feet helped me to realise I don't have to be strong all of the time and that I can be human, it's alright. People are doing that face to seem strong but they're crumbling inside, and you realise you should reach out more.


Sue • member of Unique Feet community group

We're starting a new international scientific collaboration, which has evolved from discussions with companies following your CamRARE RAREsummit last year and also involves another company following CamRARE's invite for me to present at your Companies Forum - so your events have a HUGE amount of value to us!”


Allison Watson • Co-Founder, Ring 20 Research and Support

That was such an amazing event. So well organised. So much varied content. Really, really gripping, moving, exciting, inspiring, colourful, insightful ... and a million other thoughts and feelings throughout the day!


Anna Todd • Cambridge Children’s Hospital, RAREfest20

With thanks to OUR CURRENT SPONSORS AND GRANT FUNDERS

Alexion AstraZeneca Rare Disease logo
Kyowa Kirin logo
aparito logo RAREsummit21
LifeArc logo
Healx logo
Cambridge Rare Disease Network - Cambridge Rare Disease Network 1
EET Logo
genomics england logo
Costello Medical logo
Orchard Therapeutics logo
Cambridge Rare Disease Network - Cambridge Rare Disease Network 2
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cambridgeshire community foundation logo
Kyowa Kirin logo
Challis Trust logo
Cambridge Rare Disease Network - Cambridge Rare Disease Network 3
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Cambridge Rare Disease Network - Cambridge Rare Disease Network 4
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Cambridge Rare Disease Network - Cambridge Rare Disease Network 5
Cambridge Rare Disease Network - Cambridge Rare Disease Network 6
Cambridge Rare Disease Network - Cambridge Rare Disease Network 7