In honor of Rare Disease Day on February 28, 2025, Pacific Northwest Research Institute proudly hosted a scientific symposium in partnership with Seattle Children’s Research Institute and with participation from the University of Washington to celebrate the rich local network of rare disease researchers, clinicians, and patient advocates in Seattle.
It was a day filled with connection, collaboration, and discovery. Check out the links below for the full lineup of scientific talks and poster sessions—and watch the video for a glimpse of the energy and momentum that made this event so impactful!
Rare Genetic Disease Research in Seattle and Beyond: Connections and Collaborations
The purpose of the event was to introduce and unite Seattle-area researchers with national and international collaborators in rare disease research, share resources, discuss diagnosis to therapeutics—and ultimately, to connect technologists, physicians, and patient advocates for collaboration and networking. The day included a series of scientific talks and panels followed by an evening reception and poster session.
Agenda at a Glance
Click the button below for full details, including speakers and talk titles, for each panel and session.
8:45 am
Coffee and Pastries
9:00 am
Welcome by Cláudia M.B. Carvalho, PhD, Assistant Investigator, PNRI
9:05 am
9:50 am
Session 1: The Clinical Perspective
10:50 am
Networking break
11:15 am
Session 2: Large Scale Studies and Resources for Rare Disease Research
12:15 pm
Networking Lunch (provided) & Poster Session 1
1:15 pm
Session 3: Models to Study DNA Variants in Rare Diseases
2:15 pm
Session 4: Implementing New Omics Technologies to Investigate Rare Diseases
3:15 pm
Networking break
3:40 pm
Session 5: Clinical Trials and Therapeutic Development
4:40 pm
Closing remarks: Vittorio Gallo, PhD, Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer of Seattle Children’s Research Institute and Jack Faris, PhD, CEO of Pacific Northwest Research Institute
5:00 – 7:00 pm
Reception (appetizers and wine to be served) & Poster Session 2
Relive the day!
From groundbreaking research to powerful personal stories, PNRI’s Rare Disease Day 2025 symposium brought together scientists, clinicians, advocates, and families working to advance diagnosis, treatment, and cures.
Watch the video and explore the photos below to experience the energy, insight, and collaboration that made the day unforgettable.
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Thank you to our generous sponsors!
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Thank you to our sponsors!
This video highlights the generous corporate sponsors who helped make PNRI’s Rare Disease Day 2025 symposium possible. We’re grateful for their partnership and commitment to advancing rare disease research.
Questions
Contact the Development Team via our contact form or call (206) 726-1233 with any questions.