The ERICA project: joining forces to integrate research and innovation capacity into the 24 European reference networks

The ERICA (European Rare disease research Coordination and support Action) project’s evaluation phase has been completed and the grant agreement has been signed.  ERICA aims at establishing a structural framework to support ERNs research activities and strengthening research and innovation capacity by integration of ERN research activities, outreach to European research infrastructures to synergistically increase impact and Innovation. This will result in safe, accessible and efficient access of therapies for the benefit of patients suffering from rare diseases and Conditions.

The ERICA Project builds on the strength of these individual ERNs by promoting inter-ERN research activities and by establishing firm collaborative ties with existing European and international infrastructures and consortia involved in rare disease research and innovation.

Now that the grant agreement has been signed, the project will be able to start with a consortium of 29 partners, amongst which all 24 ERNs, EURORDIS, the EJP RD, Orphanet, Mapi Trust Research, and EATRIS. The ERICA Project is coordinated by Alberto Pereira (ENDO-ERN coordinator, Leiden University Medical Center, the NL).