Practical guidance for exploring your path into rare disease research.
You don’t need to have your career mapped out to begin exploring rare disease research. Whether you’re looking for your first research experience or already have experience and want to build on it, the Rare Research Launchpad Research Exploration Toolkit can help you identify what you need next and where to look for it.
Use the Toolkit to:
- Explore laboratory, clinical and translational, computational and data science, and other areas of research
- Identify coursework, skills, and experiences that can help you prepare
- Find research experiences, internships, summer programs, fellowships, and other opportunities
- Identify and connect with potential mentors
- Explore conferences, professional societies, and ways to build your network
- Find funding and training opportunities
- Compare opportunities and make a plan for your next step
You don’t need to read the Toolkit from beginning to end. Start with the section that best matches what you’re looking for now and return to it as your interests and experience evolve.
Want to see rare disease research in action?
The Toolkit accompanies NORD’s free Rare Research Launchpad online course, where you can learn from rare disease researchers, clinicians, and families and explore cystic fibrosis, Krabbe disease, translational research, and career pathways.
Explore Rare Research Launchpad
Developed by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) with support from the Rosenau Family Research Foundation.
