The RandD Project successfully held its first Citizen Laboratories Webinar on May 7, bringing together participants, organisations, experts, and stakeholders from across Europe to officially launch this new participatory initiative focused on Rare Diseases, inclusion, and democratic engagement.

The webinar introduced the core objectives of the RandD Project and presented the Citizen Laboratories platform, a digital collaborative space designed to foster participation, dialogue, networking, and cooperation among people living with Rare Diseases and key actors at European level.

During the session, attendees had the opportunity to learn more about the project’s vision, expected impact, and future opportunities for collaboration and participation through the platform. Discussions also highlighted the importance of creating accessible and inclusive spaces where the voices of people with Rare Diseases can actively contribute to social dialogue and the future development of European policies.

The RandD Project, funded under the CERV – Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme of the European Union, aims to strengthen civic participation, inclusion, and awareness in the field of Rare Diseases through innovative digital participation mechanisms and collaborative activities across Europe.

The consortium would like to warmly thank all participants for attending the webinar and contributing to this first important step of the project. Special thanks are also extended to all project partners for their commitment, collaboration, and continued efforts in making this initiative possible.

Together, the RandD Project and its Citizen Laboratories aim to build a more inclusive, connected, and participatory Europe for people living with Rare Diseases.