Diabetes Australia has launched a new research strategy that directly asks people living with diabetes to help prioritise the allocation of research funds.
Diabetes Australia said the “transformative” new research strategy marked a “new era in the organisation’s role in Australian diabetes research”.
The 2025–2030 strategy increases the direct involvement of, and prioritisation of funding allocations based on feedback and co-design, of people living with diabetes.
Our strategy sets out a clear and ambitious vision: to accelerate research and innovation that delivers real-world impact, [and] is shaped by lived experience
By funding research that is underpinned by scientific excellence, and co-designed by people living with diabetes, researchers and industry partners, Diabetes Australia hopes the new strategy will deliver impactful research that directly benefits the diabetes community.
Three Way Partnership
The strategy includes fostering three-way partnerships between academia, industry, and the diabetes community to tackle diabetes challenges, the organisation said.
Diabetes Australia has committed $40 million over the next decade to diabetes research. Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness in working age adults.
Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said diabetes is an urgent and complex health challenge.
“More than two million Australians are living with all types of diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes. Every five minutes, another person is diagnosed with diabetes.
“The scale and impact of the condition demands a bold and future-focussed response.
“Our strategy sets out a clear and ambitious vision: to accelerate research and innovation that delivers real-world impact, is shaped by lived experience, and addresses the most pressing needs of our community,” Ms Cain said.
PhD Funding
Diabetes Australia said a central component of the strategy is funding for PhD scholarships and fellowships to support early to mid-career researchers, nurturing the next generation of diabetes.
The Sheila Woodcock Industry PhD Program was made possible by an AUS$1.4 million bequest from Ms Woodcock to Diabetes Australia in NSW in 2020.
The first of these PhD scholarships is being co-funded with Western Sydney University.
Research Impact Hub
Pivotal to the strategy is the establishment of the Diabetes Australia Research Impact Hub. The online platform will make it easier for researchers to find funding, training, and engagement tools. It will also support collaboration and networking both locally and internationally, to boost diabetes research initiatives.
The Hub will include a ‘Lived Experience Research Portal’ to empower people living with diabetes to actively participate and shape research.
Through this communication channel, individuals can connect and participate in research activities and receive updates on new breakthroughs and outcomes.
Diabetes Australia Director of Research Professor Grant Brinkworth said the new research strategy is significant for diabetes research in Australia.
“We have listened to the research community, to industry partners and people living with diabetes to design an approach that ensures our significant investment, made possible by the generous support of our donors, achieves maximum impact.
“Over the next five years, we will invest strategically in robust research initiatives shaped by the priorities of the diabetes community, while championing the bold ideas and expertise of our world class researchers.
“With this innovative approach, we hope to drive the development and delivery of evidence-based solutions that will improve lives sooner,” Prof Brinkworth said.
For more information visit: diabetesaustralia.com.au/research.
