New year, new milestones! Discover expert insights, upcoming events, and key highlights from January in this edition of the VASCERN Newsletter.

We hope it is not too late to say Happy New Year! Welcome to the first newsletter of the year where we share the latest updates from VASCERN. From key advancements in rare vascular diseases to upcoming events you won’t want to miss, this newsletter keeps you informed and engaged in our community. Let’s dive in!

Featured Content
Webinar: Varicose Veins in Vascular EDS
Webinar: Varicose Veins in Vascular EDS
Join us on 6 February 2025 at 5:00 PM CET for an engaging and informative webinar led by Dr. Michael Frank, a cardiologist and specialist in vascular medicine. This session will explore why varicose veins occur in vEDS, the symptoms to watch for, and the safest treatment options available.
Register now
News Highlights
New Research Highlights Advances in Understanding and Managing Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT)
New Research Highlights Advances in Understanding and Managing Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT)
A newly published study titled “Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia” provides a comprehensive look at this rare genetic vascular disorder. The paper delves into the underlying causes, key clinical features, and the latest advancements in treatment, offering hope for improved care and quality of life for individuals affected by this condition.
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RealiseD Project Launched to Transform Clinical Trials for Rare Diseases
RealiseD Project Launched to Transform Clinical Trials for Rare Diseases
The Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) has launched the RealiseD project, a major partnership to transform how clinical trials are designed and conducted for rare and ultra-rare diseases. With €17 million in funding and nearly 40 public and private partners, the project will optimise clinical trial processes, improve access to innovative treatments, and ultimately enhance the lives of millions of people living with rare diseases across Europe and beyond​.
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RDI Launches Youth Leadership Programme
RDI Launches Youth Leadership Programme
Rare Diseases International (RDI) has launched the RDI Youth Leadership Programme, an inspiring initiative aimed at empowering young leaders within the rare disease community. This global programme equips young individuals with essential skills, knowledge, and networks to create meaningful change for those living with rare diseases. Deadline to apply is 31 January, 2025.
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VASCERN welcomes young doctors as third representatives
VASCERN welcomes young doctors as third representatives
VASCERN is proud to announce an exciting new development: the integration of young doctors as third representatives in its healthcare provider centres. This initiative aims to ensure the sustainability of expertise in rare vascular diseases while fostering the next generation of specialists through hands-on experience and collaboration.
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Upcoming VASCERN Events
VASCERN VASCA Winter Meeting 2025 – 10th & 11th February, Berlin, Germany
The VASCERN Vascular Anomalies (VASCA) Working Group will gather in Berlin for their annual winter meeting, bringing together experts and patient advocates to discuss key developments, new projects, and research in vascular anomalies. Note: This meeting is exclusively for VASCERN members.
VASCERN Days 2025
Mark your calendars! VASCERN Days 2025 will take place on October 9–10, 2025, bringing together experts, patient advocates, and healthcare professionals from across Europe. Stay tuned for program details as we prepare to advance care for rare vascular diseases together.
Learn more
VASCERN Days 2025
Upcoming European & International Events
2nd edition of the International Conference on Vascular Anomalies (VAC 2025)
Mark your calendars for the 2nd International Conference on Vascular Anomalies (VAC 2025), from February 11-14, 2025, in Berlin. Join experts, researchers, and clinicians to explore the latest advancements in vascular anomalies research and foster new treatment strategies.
Register now
2nd edition of the International Conference on Vascular Anomalies (VAC 2025)
Rare Disease Day 2025
Join the global movement on February 28, 2025, to raise awareness for the 300 million people living with rare diseases. Participate in #LightUpForRare, share your story, or organize an event to support equity in care and research.
Learn more
Rare Disease Day 2025
RE(ACT) Congress & IRDiRC Conference 2025
The RE(ACT) Congress & IRDiRC Conference will take place on March 5-7, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium. This event brings together global experts to discuss rare disease research, data innovation, and advanced therapies. Abstract submissions close on December 31, 2024.
Register now
RE(ACT) Congress & IRDiRC Conference 2025
International Krupp Symposium on Juvenile Stroke
Join the International Krupp Symposium on Juvenile Stroke on March 14-15, 2025, in Essen, Germany. The event will cover the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of juvenile stroke, with expert-led workshops and discussions. Admission is free, but registration is required by February 15, 2025.
Learn more
International Krupp Symposium on Juvenile Stroke
2nd ERN ReCONNET International Congress on Rare Connective Tissue Diseases
Join us at the 2nd ERN ReCONNET International Congress in Prague, April 9-11, 2025, focusing on rare connective tissue diseases. The event will cover key topics like diagnosis, clinical management, and quality of care, with a patient-centered approach.
Learn more
2nd ERN ReCONNET International Congress on Rare Connective Tissue Diseases
European Human Genetics Conference 2025
From May 24-27, 2025, the European Human Genetics Conference will bring together experts, researchers, and students to share groundbreaking insights in human genetics. Participate in workshops, lectures, and networking sessions, either in-person or virtually. Abstract submission deadline January 30, 2025.
Register now
European Human Genetics Conference 2025
ESC Congress 2025
Join the largest cardiology event, ESC Congress 2025, from August 29 to September 1 in Madrid. Explore cutting-edge science, connect globally, and shape the future of cardiovascular care. Abstract submission deadline March 1, 2025.
Register now
ESC Congress 2025
Educational Resources: Back to the Basics Edition

This month, we’re going ‘Back to the Basics’ by highlighting key educational resources that explain the fundamentals of some of the rare vascular diseases covered in VASCERN. 

An Overview of Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT)
This quick learning video introduces Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT), explaining its main clinical features (and their frequency), as well as the genetics and aetiology of this rare disease. Video in English with subtitles in French, Danish, Dutch, German, Italian and Spanish.
Watch now
Marfan Syndrome – Diagnosis
This quick learning video provides an introduction to Marfan syndrome and its diagnostic criteria, including the main clinical manifestations and genetic aspects of the disease. Video in English with subtitles in French, Dutch, German, Hungarian, Italian and Spanish.
Watch now
Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (vEDS) – Introduction & New Criteria
This quick learning video introduces vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS) and presents the major and minor clinical criteria from the 2017 International Classification for all types of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, published in the American Journal of Human Genetics.
Watch now
An Overview of Paediatric and Primary Lymphoedema
This quick learning video introduces the lymphatic system and provides a brief yet comprehensive summary of lymphoedema, including its diagnosis, treatment, and potential complications. Video in English with subtitles in French, German, and Dutch.
Watch now
The Lymphatic System & Lymphatic Malformations
This quick learning video introduces the lymphatic system and lymphatic malformations, using clear, simple language to explain medical terms in a way that is accessible to patients and the general public.
Watch now
Did you know?
VASCERN is now on Bluesky!
VASCERN is now on Bluesky!
Stay connected with us for the latest updates, expert insights, and community discussions on rare vascular diseases. Follow us on Bluesky: @vascern.bsky.social
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VASCERN, European Reference Network for Rare Multisystemic Vascular Diseases
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