Connecting the Dots: Oxford University Student Rare Disease Conference 2025
2025-02-23 09:30 - 17:00 (Europe/London) | Magdalen College, University of Oxford
The Oxford Rare Disease Society (OxRare) and the Sherrington Society are excited to welcome you to “Connecting the Dots” – our first Oxford University Student Rare Disease Conference, taking place Sunday 23rd February, 9:30–17:00 at Magdalen College, Oxford. We’re supported by Medics for Rare Disease and our kind sponsors.
Join us for this exciting opportunity to hear from expert speakers at the frontiers of genomics and medical research, amplify Rare Disease patient voices, forge new collaborations, and learn how we can make a positive difference as the doctors and science professionals of tomorrow.
Call for posters! Students and early career researchers are invited to submit a poster presentation, with chance to win prizes! Submit your abstracts here: https://forms.gle/D7VBjtYKbQagQmk97
In-person ticket includes FREE tea, coffee, delicious lunch and networking drinks. We just ask that you complete the feedback form to receive your Certificate of Attendance and part-reimbursement of the ticket cost. The event is FREE to attend for individuals with lived experience of rare disease.
NB: Livestream tickets are intended for those joining virtually from outside of Oxford. Those in Oxford are highly encouraged to attend in person to enjoy free refreshments and the opportunity to speak to Rare Disease patient representatives.
Any questions you can email Linda/Kevin at oxfordrarediseasesoc@gmail.com or Cat/Jake at magdsherringtonsociety@gmail.com.
Getting here:
The closest entry to the Grove Auditorium is through the entrance on Longwall Street (step-free access). Alternatively, if you enter via the Porters’ Lodge on the main High Street (non step-free), they can help to direct you to the Auditorium.
By Public Transport: From Oxford Railway Station, Magdalen College is ~20 min walk, ~20 min by bus, and 10 min by taxi. The nearest bus stop for the college is High Street (2 min walk), served by buses from the Railway station and by the Oxford Tube.
By Car: You may wish to use one of the Park & Rides. The fare includes parking for 16 hours and bus travel into Oxford City Centre https://www.oxford.gov.uk/park-ride

#ShowYourStripes for Rare Disease Day 2025
2025-02-28 | ONLINE
Calling all healthcare professionals… dig out your stripey socks and get ready to ‘show your stripes’ as we approach Rare Disease Day on 28th February. Medics for Rare Disease is asking clinicians, allied healthcare professionals and healthcare students to join forces, to help drive rare disease awareness in the run up to the big day!
Stripey socks and selfies
Getting involved is easy. Just wear some stripey socks and post a selfie on Instagram or LinkedIn with the hashtag #ShowYourStripes and tag @MedicsForRare. All tagged photos will be uploaded to an online gallery that will remain a visual show of support to those people living with rare conditions. Not on social media? No problem, just email your pictures to hello@m4rd.org.
Show off those stripes all week!
Friday 28th is Rare Disease Day but we encourage you to show your stripes on whatever shifts you may be working that week, from Monday 24th February! Team pictures and creative selfies are welcome and there will be awards for the most impressive images. For inspiration, check out last year’s gallery here.
Awareness is Key
Rare diseases are individually rare but collectively common, affecting 3.5 million people in the UK. Patients with rare disease face similar challenges, waiting an average of 5 years to reach diagnosis. Raising healthcare professional awareness about rare disease is key to a timely diagnosis and better outcomes.
Why the stripes?
The zebra was adopted as a symbol of the rare disease community. This is thanks to the now archaic medical adage ‘when you hear hooves, think horse not zebra’, that still impacts clinical decision-making today.
Show your support, #ShowYourStripes!
