Diabetes Australia has announced the appointment of Professor Grant Brinkworth as the organisation’s inaugural Director of Research.

Professor Brinkworth is a distinguished leader in nutrition, health, and medical research with extensive experience driving strategic science portfolios and business outcomes. His expertise encompasses diabetes, obesity, cardiometabolic health and mental and physical performance.

Professor Brinkworth’s appointment to this new role comes at an important time for diabetes research as the sector experiences significant challenges.

Diabetes Australia’s Group CEO, Justine Cain, said it was extremely concerning that diabetes research funding in Australia had declined significantly over the past decade while the number of people living with all types of diabetes continues to increase.

“The diabetes epidemic is one of the largest and most complex health challenges Australia has faced. There are now at least 1.5 million Australians diagnosed with diabetes, up to 500,000 people with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes and millions at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

“Sadly, we know its impact is growing. If the current growth rates continue, there will be more than 3.1 million Australians living with diabetes by 2050.

“We know research holds the key to arresting the diabetes epidemic, and Diabetes Australia is steadfast in its commitment to leading and implementing strategies to affect change, to ultimately improve the lives of people living with, and at risk of, diabetes.

“The appointment of Professor Brinkworth to this new role demonstrates Diabetes Australia’s strong commitment to providing leadership and support to the diabetes research community and to driving the investment into research that is needed to combat the diabetes epidemic,” Ms Cain said.

“Working with the Australian Diabetes Society, the Australian Diabetes Education Association and our other partners, Professor Brinkworth will play a critical role in developing a strategic roadmap for diabetes research that we hope will result in more investment into diabetes research in Australia,” Ms Cain said.

Professor Brinkworth brings to the role his extensive experience leading clinical trials and multidisciplinary research teams.

“Diabetes Australia is extremely fortunate to have someone of Professor Brinkworth’s calibre appointed to this key leadership position. His wealth of experience and commitment to advancing diabetes research and innovation will contribute significantly to our mission.

“His passion for using research evidence to deliver practical real-world solutions aligns with Diabetes Australia’s mission to improve the lives of individuals living with diabetes.

“Research creates hope, and that’s essential for people living with diabetes,” Ms Cain said.

Professor Brinkworth has a proven track record in building external collaborative partnerships across the health system including academia, health services and industry both in Australia and Internationally.

“I am honoured to join Diabetes Australia as its first Director of Research. My passion lies in developing and translating research evidence into real-world solutions that positively impact health and wellness.

“I look forward to collaborating with the exceptional team at Diabetes Australia to drive innovation in diabetes research,” said Prof Brinkworth. His current Industry Fellowship with DDM Health, a UK provider of evidence-based digital health interventions, showcases Professor Brinkworth’s commitment to staying at the forefront of advancements in healthcare technology. He also led numerous nutrition and technology-based clinical trials at CSIRO for more than 20 years.