Strengthening Partnerships for Rare Disease Innovation in Northern Ireland
For over a decade, the Northern Ireland Rare Disease Partnership (NIRDP) has built strong and enduring connections across the rare disease landscape – linking patients, carers, and patient organisations with the Department of Health, clinicians, scientists, researchers, the healthcare industry, support services, government ministers, and policymakers.
Through these collaborations, NIRDP has become a central point of contact for patients interested in taking an active role in research, development, and innovation.
We champion early and equitable access to health innovation, and we advocate for increased opportunities for public and patient involvement in shaping the future of healthcare.
Introducing the NIRDP Corporate Council
In 2024, NIRDP launched the Northern Ireland Rare Disease Partnership Corporate Council (NIRDP-CC) – a collaborative round table of industry members united by a shared commitment to rare, ultra-rare, and orphan conditions.
Meeting online twice a year, the Council provides a platform for dialogue, innovation, and partnership. Each Corporate Council member is also invited to attend Northern Ireland’s annual Rare Disease Day as a guest of NIRDP.
A Unique Industry Engagement Opportunity
The NIRDP-CC creates a valuable forum for companies working across a broad spectrum of products, technologies, and services to engage with leading experts from Northern Ireland’s rare disease community. Discussions focus on shared challenges, priorities, and opportunities for impact.
Council membership reflects a company’s philanthropic values, leadership, and commitment to advancing the diagnosis, treatment, and care of people living with rare conditions—through research, education, advocacy, and service delivery.
Putting Patients at the Heart of Innovation
The NIRDP-CC also serves as a vital link between industry and rare disease patient organisations. It enables members to gain deeper insight into the challenges facing the 110,000 individuals affected by rare conditions across Northern Ireland.
By partnering with our experienced network of expert patients, industry members help ensure that patient perspectives are at the centre of health innovation.
Our Policy on Working with the Life Sciences Industry
We are stronger together—thanks to the companies that collaborate with NIRDP in driving positive change.
To learn more, please contact:
Rosaline Callaghan, Partnership Development Officer
📧 rosaline@nirdp.org.uk
Current Corporate Council Members
