Our alliances with research service providers across universities, healthcare organisations, research institutes, industry, and government are built on a joint commitment to strategic collaboration to achieve breakthrough discoveries and innovations, and in doing so, to optimise the value of research funding.

Collaboration with alliance partners enables us to join forces to target specific challenges or identified priority areas of research need.

Grand Innovation Challenge 

The Diabetes Australia Grand Innovation Challenge (the Challenge), proudly supported by the Charles Campbell Coghlan OAM Estate, is a national initiative designed to accelerate the development and adoption of breakthrough innovations that address the most pressing needs in diabetes prevention, management, and care. 

With diabetes affecting more than two million Australians and placing a growing burden on individuals, families, and the healthcare system, there is an urgent need for innovative, person-centred solutions that can deliver measurable improvements in health outcomes and quality of life. 

This Challenge will identify, support, and showcase some of the most promising innovations – ranging from digital and technology health tools, pharmacological therapies, to advanced medical devices – that are ready for real-world impact. 

Find out about key dates and who can apply: Diabetes Australia Grand Innovation Challenge

Research partnership network

Our Research Partnership Network Platform fosters collaboration among researchers, institutions, industry leaders, and stakeholders. We share knowledge, co-design solutions, and can amplify innovation for maximum impact.

We work closely with our partners, the Australian Diabetes Society (ADS), the Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA), and other national research partners to connect and empower research alumni, strengthen engagement, and maximise the long-term impact of diabetes research funding.

The Australian Diabetes Clinical Trials Network (ADCTN)

We have collaborated with the Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations (ACADI) to create the Australian Diabetes Clinical Trials Network (ADCTN), a research initiative designed to increase the number of diabetes clinical trials in Australia. Clinical trials not only deliver real benefits to people, but they are also essential to identifying potential risks and side effects.

The ADCTN is comprised of experienced researchers with an established track record in diabetes clinical trials and related fields. Membership includes early-career scientists across Australia, a clinical trial coordinator, a diabetes nurse, allied health professionals, three lived-experience representatives, and an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander member.

ADCTN’s purpose is to ensure research is scientifically rigorous and highly relevant to people living with diabetes. The Network provides expert guidance, lived experience insights, and formal endorsement of diabetes clinical trial protocols via two review pathways:

• Expert review and feedback: on the design of their clinical study, in preparation for ethics or funding applications
• Formal endorsement: researchers can present their clinical studies to receive feedback and, if approved, a letter of endorsement.

This support ensures trials are scientifically rigorous, aligned with community needs, and designed for success. By integrating insights from leading researchers, health professionals, and individuals with lived experience, the ADCTN also serves to bridge the gap between innovation and real-world impact.

The ADCTN is currently accepting protocol submissions for review and endorsement.

Feedback will help you strengthen your study protocol design and improve trial feasibility, increase the likelihood of ethics approval, and enhance the competitiveness of your funding application.

Visit the ACADI website for more information and to access the guidelines for submitting your protocol.