JDRF’s new recruit makes ‘cure’ pledge

JDRF’s new Director of Research Advocacy has pledged to help seek the cure “skeleton key” for Type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune conditions.

Dr Clare McVicker has officially joined the organisation having spent nine years at the Wellcome Trust. With a wealth of expertise in Type 1 diabetes, she has been a manager in their Department of Cellular, Developmental and Physiological Sciences in the science funding division.

Clare – who has a BSc in pharmacology and a PhD in physiology – will be working to increase and further strengthen Type 1 diabetes research by raising awareness of the condition and the profile of JDRF in the wider UK research community.

She said: “I’m excited about helping JDRF expand its funded programme of Type 1 diabetes research – and to therefore enhance scientific understanding in crucial areas – such as the misfiring immune system response behind the development of this serious condition.”

Type 1 diabetes is one of over 80 known autoimmune conditions including multiple sclerosis, coeliac disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Over four million people in the UK live with an autoimmune condition, which sees their immune system mistakenly attack friendly cells.

She added: “The cure for Type 1 diabetes will be found. It’s just a question of time, money, and great research. Finding this cure could act as a skeleton key – unlocking ways to prevent and cure a range of other autoimmune conditions.”

The cure for Type 1 diabetes will be found. It’s just a question of time, money, and great research.

JDRF is a global charity that funds the best Type 1 diabetes research wherever it takes place in the world. The fact that JDRF is investing more in research in the UK than in any other country outside the US at the moment is testament to the fantastic quality of UK type 1 diabetes research and researchers right now.

Karen Addington, Chief Executive of JDRF in the UK, said: “We believe that there are significant opportunities to drive forward our understanding of the root causes of type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune conditions. By adding Clare’s wealth of experience and knowledge to our team, we are really looking forward to taking this research to the next level in the UK.

“I thank her for joining the team and helping to accelerate progress toward our vision of a world without Type 1 diabetes.”