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 Diseases

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UPCOMING PRESENTATION (MAY 27)

We’re happy to share that David H. Ledbetter, PhD, FACMG, Senior Associate Directorat Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases (IPRD) and Dorothea C. Lantz, Director of Community Engagementat Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA (PWSA | USA), have been invited as guest speakers for the upcoming Genetics & Disease Awareness Presentation hosted by the FSU Health Community Engagement Group on May 27.

This is a great opportunity for our community to learn, connect, and explore how genetics impacts real lives.

RARE DISEASE DAY

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