Driving Innovation in Rare Disease Research
We are committed to transforming the landscape of rare disease research through accelerating rare disease trials and improving patient access to innovative clinical therapies. Our centre brings together experts, researchers, and patient groups to create impactful solutions.
A Centre focused on the Future of Rare Disease therapies
The LifeArc centre for Acceleration of Rare Disease Trials (ARDT) is a collaboration between Newcastle University, Queen’s University Belfast, and the University of Birmingham, bringing together their expertise. Rare disease clinical trials face significant challenges from small research populations to complex disease mechanisms, which often delaying patient access to new treatments. The Centre is developing a UK-wide trial platform, including a rare disease trial recruitment portal, to streamline the design and delivery of trials in partnership with patients.
At this Centre, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. By bringing together experts from multiple disciplines, we are breaking down barriers that traditionally slow down rare disease trials. This initiative aims to accelerate clinical trials, improve access to new therapies, and support faster NHS approvals.
Through strategic partnerships with clinicians, researchers, and patient advocacy groups, we work to streamline trial design, enhance recruitment strategies, and implement patient-centred approaches to rare disease research. Our goal is to ensure that every trial is optimally designed for success
Our Research Areas
Our research focuses on optimising trial design, improving patient recruitment strategies, and integrating new technologies to enhance trial delivery, accumulating in a novel rare disease platform.
Our research focuses on optimising trial design, improving patient recruitment strategies, and integrating new technologies to enhance trial delivery, accumulating in a novel rare disease platform. This platform will support the development of a rare disease trial recruitment portal, which will enable the design and delivery of trials in partnership with patients. In addition, we are committed to advancing patient-reported outcomes, enhancing public and patient involvement, and implementing innovative strategies in healthcare policy. Through these diverse work packages and research areas, we collaborate closely with researchers, clinicians, and patient communities to bring effective therapies to patients faster. Each area brings together expertise from each of our institutions to deliver an equitable change across the country.
Latest news & events
Vist our news section to find out more about the type of research we are involved in.
Interested in working with the team?
We are always looking for talented researchers, clinicians, and industry partners to join our efforts in accelerating rare disease trials. Whether you’re interested in research collaboration, clinical trial design, or patient engagement, we’d love to hear from you.
How to get involved
There are many ways to support and engage with our work in rare disease research. Whether you are a researcher, patient advocate, or funder, your contributions can help drive innovation and improve outcomes.
1. For Researchers
Join our collaborative projects and contribute to cutting-edge clinical trials.
2. For Patients & Families
Learn how to participate and share insights to shape research.
3. For Funders & Partners
Discover opportunities to support groundbreaking research.