Concept and Program

The 9^th Rare Disease Summer School will focus on a wide variety of subjects in the arena of rare diseases, from disease mechanisms and animal models, to improving diagnoses and novel therapeutics. The ethical and societal challenges associated with rare diseases will also be addressed in the program. There will be lectures by national and international rare disease experts, workshops, poster sessions and selected oral presentations by participants.

A high faculty-to-student ratio will allow participants to optimally benefit from the varied expertise of the faculty. There will be ample time for discussions, teamwork, as well as for socializing. The Summer School will be held in English.

Program (PDF, 733 KB) (temporary)

Eligibility

The school addresses clinicians, physician-scientists, Postdocs, and PhD students as well as select students from various disciplines such as medicine, biology, pharmaceutical science, psychology, sociology, and related fields. Up to 30 participants will be admitted. There are a limited number of spaces available to participants from industry. Participants are responsible for having valid insurance and a valid visa, if applicable, for Switzerland.

Successfull applicants are expected to bring a poster about their work or research interests related to rare diseases. The posters will be exhibited and presented during the dedicated poster sessions. The best two posters will be awarded a prize. Authors of selected abstracts will also have the possibility to present their work with an oral presentation.

Accommodation

Accommodation at the conference venue will be organized, but needs to be pre-paid by participants. The cost of the room is of CHF 175 per night (breakfast included).
Alternative accommodation is also available nearby but shall be organized by the participants themselves.

Registration fee

There is a non-refundable registration fee of CHF 250 for PhD students, of CHF 350 for other participants from academia and clinics, and of CHF 500 for participants from industry. The fee becomes due upon notification of acceptance. Coffee breaks and meals as well as social activities are included in the registration fee. Participants are responsible for their own travel.

Travel grants

We are pleased to announce that 10 travel grants of CHF 500 each are available to PhD students and young Postdocs (within 3 years from PhD completion) to support their attendance to the Summer School. Registration fee will also be covered.

The grant receipients will be selected on the basis of the quality of their application and will be notifed by email.

Time and Venue

The summer school will take place at the Kartause Ittingen, Warth (Canton Thurgau), Switzerland. It will start on Tuesday, July 4^th at 1:00 pm and end on Friday, July 7^th at 12:30 pm. Information about how to best reach the venue will be sent to participants prior to the event.