We bring together researchers, clinicians, other professionals, patients, families, institutes and organisations across Greater Manchester and beyond, to support world-leading science that improves diagnosis, understanding, management and treatments of rare conditions. In line with the UK Rare Disease Framework and priorities of our partners, we have aligned our strategy and identified the following three Research and Innovation Objectives:
- Support rare conditions related research programmes in Manchester.
- Leverage data, digital and devices for rare conditions work in the region.
- Establish new rare conditions research fellowships.
We foster innovation by enabling multi-disciplinary approaches and pioneering methods that explore disease mechanisms, improve diagnosis and bring forward new therapies. In the years 2022-2024, Manchester researchers have contributed to around 250 publications related to RCs and attracted research grant income of over £15 million.
Effective collaboration is central to our approach. Our partnerships extend across the UK and internationally, but our roots remain firmly in Manchester’s thriving health and research ecosystem. MRCC works closely with the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre and MRC/NIHR UK Rare Disease Research Platform.
We are also deeply committed to engaging communities in research and innovation. The voices and experiences of people living with rare conditions shape everything we do. From the questions we ask in our research to the way we design studies and share findings, our dedicated PPIE partners, We R Rare, ensure our RCs research reflects real-world need.
Building sustainable infrastructure is another core part of our work. We invest in the research facilities needed to deliver the highest quality science and we support researchers at every stage of their career to ensure long-term project success.
Finally, we draw strength from Manchester’s unique environment. Our city is home to one of the most diverse populations in the UK, a globally recognised research base, and a strong culture of innovation. By leveraging these assets, we are accelerating the pace and scale of rare conditions research.