Diabetes Australia has today launched a transformative new research strategy, marking a new era in the organisation’s role in Australian diabetes research.

The Diabetes Australia Research Strategy 2025-2030 establishes a new collaborative approach to research funding that increases the direct involvement of, and prioritisation of funding allocations based on feedback and co-design, of people living with diabetes. It will fast-track translation and innovation to deliver real world impact.  

By funding research that is underpinned by scientific excellence, and co-designed by people living with diabetes, researchers and industry partners, the bold five-year strategy will deliver impactful research that directly benefits the diabetes community.

The Strategy includes fostering three-way partnerships between academia, industry and the diabetes community to tackle diabetes challenges head-on.

Diabetes Australia has committed $40 million dollars over the next decade to sustain Australia’s world-class research sector, and support research that is both informed by people living with diabetes and backed by industry.   

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said diabetes is one of the most urgent and complex health challenges of our time.

“More than two million Australians are living with all types of diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes. Every five minutes, another person is diagnosed with diabetes.

“Diabetes is one of the leading causes of kidney failure, blindness, amputations, heart attacks and congenital malformations. These are devastating for an individual.

“The scale and impact of the condition demands a bold and future-focused response. We need to drive innovation and accelerate research that really improves lives.

“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. Our goal is for people with diabetes to live longer, healthier and more productive lives enabled by the latest scientific discoveries,” Ms Cain 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 researchers and ensuring Australia builds a strong pipeline of research talent.  

This substantial investment has been made possible by the extraordinary generosity of Shelia Woodcock who bequeathed $1.4 million to Diabetes Australia in NSW in 2020.

The Sheila Woodcock Industry PhD Program has been born out of this bequest.

“By investing this funding in early career researchers and partnerships with industry, Sheila’s bequest will create a legacy of impact,” Ms Cain said.

The first of these PhD scholarships is being co-funded with Western Sydney University.

Pivotal to the Strategy is establishment of the Diabetes Australia Research Impact Hub which will become the centre point for Australia’s diabetes research community.

The central online platform will drive innovation and create impact by making it easier to find funding, training, and engagement tools. It will also support collaboration and networking both locally and internationally, to boost diabetes research initiatives.

Importantly, the Hub will include an expanding ‘Lived Experience Research Portal’ to empower people living with diabetes to actively participate and shape research that affects their lives. Through this dedicated community research 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,” Professor Brinkworth said.

For more information about the Diabetes Australia Research Strategy 2025-2030 visit diabetesaustralia.com.au/research

About Diabetes Australia 

Diabetes Australia is the national organisation supporting all people living with or at risk of diabetes. We put people first. We work in collaboration with member organisations, consumers, health professionals, state-based diabetes organisations, researchers and the community. For more information visit: www.diabetesaustralia.com.au  

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