Diabetes Australia has announced University of the Sunshine Coast diabetes researcher, Dr Steven James, is the recipient of the 2024 Charles Campbell Coghlan OAM Emerging Researcher Award.

This prestigious national award, providing $136,500 over two years, is a testament to Dr James’s dedication to advancing diabetes research.

Dr James, who lives with type 1 diabetes, will lead the ground-breaking TREE study – Type 1 diabetes acRoss thE lifEspan.

This research aims to generate and update data in five key areas related to type 1 diabetes, with the goal of reducing complications and premature death in this population.

Its findings will help progress screening to identify people who are at risk of developing the condition, contribute to more effective diabetes health services and advocacy, as well as advance knowledge to potentially prevent the condition from developing.

“Diabetes research is pivotal. It can reduce and defer complications, improve quality of life, save lives and moreover, create hope,” Dr James said.

“I am honoured to be the winner of the 2024 Diabetes Australia Charles Campbell Coghlan OAM Emerging Researcher Award.”

Lucy Brogden AM, Chair of the Diabetes Australia Research Trust, commended the selection of Dr James as the Coghlan Award.

“The Diabetes Australia Research Program aims to support and develop outstanding diabetes research, and Dr James’s work truly aligns with this mission,” Ms Brogden said.

“The competitive, peer-reviewed selection process ensures that donor funds are invested to achieve the maximum benefit for people living with diabetes.”

Charles Coghlan was a Victorian farmer and businessman who developed type 2 diabetes late in life and left a generous bequest when he passed away in 2017, which supports the funding of important diabetes research.

Diabetes Australia’s Group CEO, Justine Cain, said Mr Coghlan lived a life of service to his regional community, so it was fitting that this year’s recipient was a researcher from a regional university.

“Important research doesn’t just happen in capital cities. It’s wonderful to see that this project is being undertaken at the University of Sunshine Coast where there are great minds tackling serious research.

“This is a critical time for Australian diabetes research as NHMRC funding has declined by 35% over the past decade while the number of people living with diabetes has increased by 32%.

“Research creates hope, and that’s essential to a person living with diabetes.

“Over the past 10 years, Diabetes Australia has invested more than $40 million in supporting nearly 450 critical research initiatives across all types of diabetes.

“We know research holds the key to arresting the diabetes epidemic, and Diabetes Australia is steadfast in its commitment to raising more funding to invest in research to ultimately improve the lives of people living with, and at risk of, diabetes,” Ms Cain said.

Individuals and organizations interested in supporting diabetes research can contribute through tax-deductible donations. Find out how to support Diabetes Australia and its research initiatives.