Welcome to the Florida
Institute for Pediatric
Rare Diseases

Our mission is to develop and integrate innovative technologies that improve outcomes for children and families affected by rare diseases.

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Rare Disease Day 2027

Save the Date | Rare Disease Day 2027

Join the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases (IPRD) at Florida State University for our Third Annual Rare Disease Day celebration on Friday, February 26, 2027!

Bringing together researchers, clinicians, industry partners, patient advocates, and families, this event will celebrate collaboration, share knowledge, and advance research and care for children affected by rare diseases.

We are pleased to announce that this year’s keynote speaker will be Stephen Kingsmore, M.D., D.Sc., Chair of the Department of Medical Genetics and Genomics at Cleveland Clinic and an internationally recognized leader in genomic medicine.

Additional program details will be announced in the coming months.

Registration is now open! Join us for a day dedicated to collaboration and advancing the future of pediatric rare disease research and care.

IPRD & A.J. Anderson Foundation Launch Powerful Rare Disease Event

Our Programs

Sunshine Genetics

A statewide newborn whole-genome sequencing pilot program that provides rapid diagnosis of rare genetic conditions. It serves as a model for integrating genomics into public health systems.

Two medical professionals in maroon scrubs and black face masks look at a laptop screen on a mobile workstation in a clinical setting.

FSU HEALTH Precision Pediatrics at IPRD

Offering expert diagnosis, counseling and management for families navigating undiagnosed or complex conditions.

Terri Bostock, MLS (ASCP) SBB, points to data on a large Illumina sequencing monitor while Cynthia Vied, Ph.D., uses the keyboard in a laboratory setting.

FSU IPRD Diagnostic Lab

A CLIA-certified whole genome sequencing laboratory to provide state-of-the-art diagnostic capabilities.

A researcher in a white lab coat and blue gloves looking through a binocular microscope while a colleague in a white lab coat observes.

Rare Disease Research & Training

Accelerating discovery of new diagnostic technologies and treatments, including gene and cell therapies.

A six-panel collage of microscopic images showing neurons and glial cells in various fluorescent colors, including vibrant yellow, red, and green, set against a dark background and framed by a maroon border.

Viral Vector & Gene Editing Core

Developing innovative platforms for gene therapy.

A watercolor painting of the entrance to a

Genetic Counseling Education

Training the next generation of professionals through a master’s degree program in genetic counseling to benefit Florida’s children and families.

Andrew’s Story

Andrew Anderson suffered from Tay-Sachs disease, an ultrarare fatal genetic disorder with only 16 cases annually nationwide. Andrew passed away at just 4 years old. Since then, Andrew’s parents, Florida Representative Adam Anderson (R-Palm Harbor), and Brianne Anderson, and their family have been leading the drive to advance research in rare diseases here in Florida across the nation.

The Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases stands as a tribute to Andrew’s story and the dedication of a family to do everything possible so that no other child or parent must feel helpless when faced with a rare disease diagnosis.

Welcome to the FloridaInstitute for PediatricRare Diseases