Rigshospitalet is an important contributor and member in the European Reference Networks, the EU's flagship collaboration for rare and complex diseases. The ERNs link more than 1,600 centers of expertise across 26 countries, enabling specialists to share knowledge, discuss clinical cases, and develop common pathways for diagnosis and treatment.

Rigshospitalet is a full member of 22 out of 24 networks. Through these networks, our clinicians can consult with colleagues across Europe on ultra‑rare conditions that may only appear once or twice a year nationally, ensuring that patients benefit from the best available expertise, wherever it exists.

Participation in the ERNs strengthens both clinical practice and research at Rigshospitalet and positions us at the forefront of European collaboration on rare diseases.

International collaboration

In the EU there are 6-8,000 rare diseases, and between 27 and 36 million individuals within the borders of the EU suffer from a rare disease. Common for these diseases are their low prevalence, life-threatening and chronically disabling nature.

The ERN consists of 24 virtual reference networks, each covering a specific group of rare diseases. More than 1,600 specialized European centers participate in the network, spanning across more than 380 hospitals across 26 countries.

Through its active participation in the European Reference Networks, Rigshospitalet and other participating healthcare centers across Europe strengthen their ability to deliver highly specialized care for patients with rare diseases and play a vital role in shaping the future of rare disease research and treatment internationally.​

​