Global scientific experts to advise on £50 million investment into type 1 diabetes research

By Editor
22nd November 2022
Diabetes UK, Research Type 1 diabetes

Three health organisations have appointed 17 leading international scientists to advise on its £50 million investment into type 1 diabetes research. 

The Steve Morgan Foundation, Diabetes UK and JDRF UK are recruiting for its Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge – a project that is funding research to drive breakthroughs in type 1 diabetes treatments and lead the race towards a cure.

The scientists have joined one of three independent Scientific Advisory Panels each advising on a research area identified as having the greatest potential to transform treatments for type 1 diabetes.

These include:

  • The root causes of type 1 diabetes Panel, led by Professor Chantal Mathieu
  • The novel insulins Panel, led by Dr Tim Heise
  • The beta cell replacement Panel, led by Professor Matthias Hebrok.

All three panels are chaired by the world-renowned diabetes specialist Professor Simon Heller.

Rachel Connor, Director of Research Partnerships at JDRF UK, said: “We’re delighted to welcome so many globally renowned scientists, who are already giving us the benefit of their insight and expertise as we shape this Grand Challenge.

“They are ensuring the research we support through this game-changing partnership will best meet the needs of people living with type 1.”

She added: “The calibre of membership we’ve been able to attract to the new panels is testament to how thrilling the new research, supported by the partnership, will be.”

Dr Elizabeth Robertson, Director of Research at Diabetes UK, said: “We are honored to have so many of the world’s most distinguished diabetes researchers advising the Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge.

“Their expertise will help to ensure that every penny of the Steve Morgan Foundation’s £50 million gift is invested in bold, innovative research with the greatest potential to improve the lives of people with type 1 diabetes.”

She concluded: “We’re delighted to see the global research community united in their support of the Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge and look forward to seeing new, exciting research focusing on accelerating progress towards a cure for type 1 diabetes get underway next year.”

Further information on the Grand Challenge’s scope and ambition, and membership of the Scientific Advisory Panels, can be found on the Partnership’s new website.

The site also features latest Grand Challenge news, information about funding opportunities and funded projects, and – when research projects are underway – it will demonstrate and celebrate their impact.

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