The Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children marks its sixth anniversary, highlighting breakthroughs in gene and cell therapies that are improving care for children with rare illnesses globally.
LONDON: The Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children (ZCR) — a collaboration between Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), University College London (UCL), and GOSH Children’s Charity — today celebrates its sixth anniversary, underscoring its global impact in diagnosing and treating rare and complex diseases among children. The centre’s mission, made possible by a generous £60 million gift from Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, continues to deliver life‑changing results for families around the world.
Since its inception in 2019, the Zayed Centre has brought together leading clinicians and scientists under one roof to accelerate translation of scientific discoveries into real-world medical treatments. The recently released 2024/2025 impact report captures major milestones in gene therapy, cell therapy, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine — illustrating how the centre is reshaping paediatric care for rare diseases.
According to Professor Maha Barakat, Assistant Minister for Medical Affairs and Life Sciences at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the centre stands as “a beacon of what can be achieved through international partnership and science united by purpose.” She affirmed that the centre exemplifies the humanitarian vision inspired by the late founder, and praised its continued success in transforming lives worldwide.
Among the notable achievements of 2024–25: researchers at the Zayed Centre pioneered use of a novel high‑resolution heart imaging technique (HiP‑CT) to map cardiac structure in unprecedented detail; international collaborations accelerated diagnosis for children with epilepsy; efforts in tissue engineering advanced to growing miniature organs in labs; and new collaborations have emerged to address global shortages of viral vectors for gene therapy.
Currently, the centre supports 93 active research projects, and has secured over £41 million in external funding across gene and cellular therapies, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and cancer‑treatment innovations.
Louise Parkes, Chief Executive of GOSH Charity, said: “We are proud to reflect on how this world‑leading partnership turns scientific discovery into real hope for young patients and their families.” She expressed deep gratitude for Sheikha Fatima’s support, underscoring the importance of such philanthropic investment in global paediatric health.
The Zayed Centre’s sixth anniversary not only celebrates past successes — but also reinforces a strong commitment to future breakthroughs, bridging cutting‑edge science with compassionate care, and offering renewed hope to children and families affected by rare diseases worldwide.
