The announcement of the inaugural Charles Campbell Coghlan OAM Emerging Researcher Award to support a significant diabetes research project marks the beginning of a new chapter in Australian diabetes research, Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said today.

“Dr Jennifer Snaith from the Garvan Institute was named the inaugural recipient of the award which comes with $150,000 in funding,” Ms Cain said.

“Dr Snaith’s project will explore GLP-1s, an existing class of diabetes medicines, and how effective they are at reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in people living with type 1 diabetes.

“GLP-1s help people living with type 2 diabetes better manage the condition and it is very exciting to see how these medicines can help people living with type 1 diabetes.

“Coghlan Award recipients are required to demonstrate both their past achievements as well as their potential to become an emerging leader in diabetes. We are confident Dr Snaith will continue to make significant contributions to diabetes research.”

Ms Cain said the Coghlan Award was made possible by the generous bequest of Mr Coghlan to Diabetes Australia.

“Charles Coghlan, who lived with type 2 diabetes in his later life, was a Victorian country gentleman who held a quiet ambition to help people living with diabetes,” Ms Cain said.

“He lived a life infused with love for his wife and family and a dedication to community service. The launch of the award in his name continues his legacy and will help retain the brightest minds in the field of diabetes research.

“It’s a significant development for our community, and we are very grateful for Mr Coghlan’s generosity and faith in research to improve the lives of people with diabetes.”

Diabetes Australia has also announced two other major awards, the Type 1 Diabetes Millennium Award and the Type 2 Diabetes Millennium Award.

“Associate Professor Melkam Kebede from the University of Sydney will study how insulin is stored in the pancreas, which could lead to new treatments for type 2 diabetes,” Ms Cain said.

“Dr John Karas from the University of Melbourne will investigate the development of an oral insulin that could reduce the need for multiple daily insulin injections and substantially improve quality of life for people living with all types of diabetes.

“Both these projects could potentially change the lives of millions of people across the globe.”

Chair of the Diabetes Australia Research Trust, Lucy Brogden AM, said that in the past century, diabetes research has changed the way people live with, and think about, the condition.

“I’m excited to see what the future holds,” Mrs Brogden said.

“Each new discovery feeds into a body of evidence that moves us closer to a cure.

“We will continue to fundraise and invest in diabetes research to improve the quality of life for people living with diabetes and ultimately work towards prevention.”

People can support the Diabetes Australia Research Program fund more vital diabetes research by joining our regular tax deductible giving program. Click here for more details.

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