“From launching our first Lived Experience Advisory Board to preparing the foundations for the UK’s first rare respiratory disease biobank, it’s been a busy summer. On 2–3 September 2025 at Mary Ward House London, we will host our first Annual Gathering at Mary Ward House, London, under the theme “Shaping the Future Together – Science, Voices and Impact.”
This two-day event will bring together the Centre’s researchers, clinicians, patient partners, and postdoctoral fellows from across the LifeArc Rare Respiratory Diseases Centre. It’s an opportunity to celebrate our first year’s progress, share ideas, and strengthen the connections that drive discovery and impact.
What we’ll cover:
- Postdocs and patients leading the conversation – with flash talks, poster presentations, and interactive networking designed to put lived experience and early-career research at the centre of discussions.
- Science in action – panels and workshops on biobanking futures, FAIR data, translational pipelines, and new therapeutic approaches, highlighting how our collaborative science is breaking new ground.
- Patient perspectives – dedicated sessions where patient groups share priorities, challenges, and hopes for the next decade of rare respiratory disease research.
- Community building – from informal networking walks to an evening dinner, the programme is designed to spark collaboration and strengthen our shared mission.
- Celebrating innovation – poster prizes, including a Patient Voice Prize and Technical Innovation Prize, will showcase outstanding contributions from across the Centre.
This gathering is not just a meeting — it’s the first step in building a stronger community where science and lived experience come together to shape the future of rare respiratory disease research.
