Brazil’s first Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) network focused on Down syndrome (DS).

As we strive towards our shared goals, the combined strength of each individual helps us accomplish more than we could alone.

The purpose is to integrate different entities (universities, society, and institutions) to advance actions that promote the observation and increase awareness of Down syndrome in our country, always seeking to improve living conditions, health, education, and citizenship.

Through innovation, we aim to point out paths that facilitate the dissemination of information and provide support for the development of new guidelines for people with Down syndrome.

Brazilian Uplift for Research & Innovation for Trisomic Individuals

But why “Network”?

The definition of the word carries the concept of interconnection. A network is formed by several connected links that transform into a harmonious unit created for a common purpose.

And why “Buriti”?

The inspiration for the network's name is original and very Brazilian: the Buriti palm tree. This striking tree originates from the Amazon, but it is found throughout the national territory. Some indigenous people call it the “tree of life”. The Buriti is fully utilized by local communities, from its fruits to its leaves and fibers.

Manifest

We are building a present in which everyone can participate in transforming society into a fair and inclusive reality.

A society that sees all people with Down syndrome as full individuals.

On this journey, we are not alone. We have joined hands with civil society, the scientific and academic community, and institutions.

Together, we strengthen knowledge, expand research and drive structural changes in public policies.

We combine science and technology in actions that include observation and increased awareness in health, education and citizenship.

We will disseminate knowledge and provide support for new guidelines, with the formation of the Brazilian Cohort of People with Down syndrome, the development of a National Biobank to facilitate genetic research, the construction of a Large-Scale Database, and the implementation of the Health Observatory.

So that there is nothing left About Us Without Us.

And so that our voice has the strength to make this change real and permanent.

It's not a dream. It's a goal.

Objective that, like the buriti fruit, is Brazilian and welcoming: present in all regions of the country.

Objective that, like a network, creates connected links that transform into a harmonious unit.

We are now building a future where everyone can be equally active in a fair and inclusive society.

Join us in this transformation.

How will the Network operate?

The network will operate in four main spheres:

Formation of the Brazilian Cohort of People with Down syndrome

Cohort is the gathering of a group of individuals who share a common characteristic: age, sex, place of birth, exposure to a certain agent, or the presence of a specific medical condition, for example.

Creation of a National Biobank of Down syndrome

The Biobank will gather biological samples (blood, tissues, DNA, and other human biological materials) collected from the participants of the cohort.

Creation of a Large-Scale Database on Down syndrome

It will be a Brazilian database containing new information about people with Down Syndrome, including clinical, sociodemographic, educational, and biological variables of scientific and clinical relevance.

Creation of the Health Observatory for Down syndrome

A Health Observatory for Down Syndrome is a nationwide platform that gathers, for broad access, updated information extracted from various official databases regarding the health and social and demographic.

Who are the people involved?

The network comprises Brazilian experts from diverse fields, including epidemiology, biostatistics/bioinformatics, immunology, genetics, neurophysiology, and neuropsychiatry. Additionally, qualified professionals for project management are part of the team. Together, we aim to undertake a project of national scale and significance.

Through civil society, the Network will also work on disseminating information, promoting education within the Down syndrome community and among their families.

National research groups

International research groups

Civil society institutions