Horizon 2020 ERICA project approved by the EU

The Horizon 2020 ERICA project, with 2 departments from the Radboudumc involved in the ERN coordination, has been approved by the EU. This research plan concerns the connection between the ERN Registries and other developments, with a large number of other EU infrastructures.​

In total there are 24 thematic ERNs. The Radboudumc participates in 14 networks. We are proud to say that two of these networks are coordinated from Radboudumc: ERN GENTURIS by Nicoline Hoogerbrugge, theme Tumours of the digestive tract and ERN eUROGEN by Wout Feitz, theme Reconstructive and regenerative medicine.

Rare diseases are defined as diseases that affect no more than 1 person per 2000. While individual rare diseases affect only a small percentage of the population, they collectively affect up to 30 million people in the EU. To facilitate access to high quality crossborder healthcare and promote and foster cooperation on rare disease healthcare between member states, 24 European Reference Networks (ERN) are currently active. The aim of the ERICA consortium, in which all 24 ERNs take part, is to build on the strength of the individual ERNs and create a platform that integrates all their research and innovation capacity. Through knowledge sharing, engagement with stakeholders in the rare disease domain and assembly of ransdisciplinary research groups working across the global health spectrum ERICA strives to reach the following goals:

• new intra- and inter-ERN rare disease competitive networks;
• effective data collection strategies;
• better patient involvement;
• enhanced quality and impact of clinical trials;
• increased awareness of ERN’s innovation potential;

Through integration of ERN research activities, and outreach to European research infrastructures to synergistically increase impact and innovation, ERICA will strengthen the research and innovation capacity of the ERNs. This will result in safe, accessible and efficient access of therapies for the benefit of patients suffering from rare diseases and conditions.