ESGLD History

  • Founded in 1978 as a small informal group of scientists interested in lysosomal function and lysosomal storage diseases.
  • The group began in an era when lysosomal storage diseases were still poorly understood and research was scattered across individual labs and clinical centers in Europe.
  • The initial aim was simple: to exchange information and materials and encourage collaboration between researchers studying these rare inherited metabolic disorders.
  • Over time, ESGLD expanded far beyond its informal beginnings. By the 2000s, it had grown into a structured organization representing more than 90 research, diagnostic, and clinical groups across around 22 European countries.
  • Members include laboratories specializing in biochemical and genetic research, diagnostic centres, and clinical teams focused on patient care and translational research.