Rare Disease
Clinical Trial Network
Uniting Expertise, Empowering Patients:
Transforming Ireland's Rare Disease Clinical Trial Landscape
Information for patients considering a clinical trial or interested in our public & patient involvement (PPI) activities
Information for clinicians & researchers about rare disease clinical trials, training opportunities and support available
Information for industry on our supports for setting up trials in Ireland, and navigating regulatory & approval processes
“We can work together to bring a better landscape for the families and the people that we care about”
Lorraine McGlinchey, Ulster University, Speaker at the Rare Disease Clinical Trials Conference, 2024
About us
We are a Health Research Board (HRB) – funded network aiming to increase activity in rare disease clinical trials in Ireland. Through collaboration with patients, researchers and industry, we support development of rare disease clinical trials, trial methodology and researcher training, while keeping the patient voice at the centre of everything we do.
Why join the Rare Disease Clinical Trial Network?
International Expertise
The network is a collaboration hub that links with international expertise and advocacy groups to exchange ideas, build capacity, foster partnerships and speed up innovation in rare disease research.
Patient Led
Our public and patient involvement (PPI) activities ensure that the patient voice is at the heart of everything we do. This leads to better quality research and outcomes that meet the needs of the rare disease community.
Greater Access to Clinical Trials
Our international collaborations, PPI activities and support for industry & researchers help to increase the quantity and quality of rare disease clinical trials in Ireland.
Network Highlights
Spotlight on our Activity
Network Highlights
Spotlight on our Activity
1st March 2024
The RDCTN Seed-funding Award 2023 was presented to Dr Laura Williams, Consultant Neurologist, St Vincent’s University Hospital Dublin.
29th Feb 2024
RDCTN marked World Rare Disease Day 2024 with the inaugural Rare Disease Clinical Trials Conference which was held in the Grand Hotel Malahide on the 29th February and 1st March.
10th May 2023
17th May 2023
14th June 2023
16th June 2023
Network Partners
