Diabetes Australia has today unveiled a transformative new research strategy, marking a pivotal shift in the organization’s approach to diabetes research in the country. The Diabetes Australia Research Strategy 2025-2030 introduces a collaborative funding model that prioritizes the direct involvement and input of those living with diabetes, aiming to fast-track innovation and deliver tangible real-world impacts.
The strategy emphasizes funding research that is not only scientifically robust but also co-designed by individuals with diabetes, researchers, and industry partners. This bold five-year plan seeks to foster impactful research that directly benefits the diabetes community by establishing three-way partnerships between academia, industry, and the diabetes community to tackle the challenges posed by diabetes head-on.
In a significant financial commitment, Diabetes Australia has pledged $40 million over the next decade to sustain the nation’s world-class research sector. This investment will support research initiatives informed by the lived experiences of people with diabetes and backed by industry collaboration.
Addressing an Urgent Health Challenge
Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain highlighted the urgency and complexity of diabetes as a health challenge. She noted,
“More than two million Australians are living with all types of diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes. Every five minutes, another person is diagnosed with diabetes.”
Cain further emphasized the severe health complications associated with diabetes, including kidney failure, blindness, amputations, heart attacks, and congenital malformations, which have devastating impacts on individuals.
“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,” Cain stated.
Investing in the Future of Diabetes Research
A central component of the strategy is the funding of PhD scholarships and fellowships aimed at supporting early to mid-career researchers. This initiative is designed to nurture the next generation of diabetes researchers and ensure Australia maintains a strong pipeline of research talent. The substantial investment was made possible by the generous bequest of Sheila Woodcock, who donated $1.4 million to Diabetes Australia in 2020.
The Sheila Woodcock Industry PhD Program, born from this bequest, aims to create a legacy of impact by investing in early career researchers and fostering partnerships with industry. The first of these PhD scholarships is being co-funded with Western Sydney University.
Establishing a Hub for Innovation
Pivotal to the strategy is the establishment of the Diabetes Australia Research Impact Hub, which will serve as the central point for Australia’s diabetes research community. This online platform is designed to drive innovation and create impact by simplifying access to funding, training, and engagement tools. It will also support collaboration and networking both locally and internationally, enhancing diabetes research initiatives.
Importantly, the Hub will feature an expanding ‘Lived Experience Research Portal’ to empower individuals living with diabetes to actively participate in and shape research that affects their lives. This dedicated community research communication channel will allow individuals to connect, participate in research activities, and receive updates on new breakthroughs and outcomes.
Expert Perspectives and Future Directions
Diabetes Australia Director of Research, Professor Grant Brinkworth, underscored the significance of the new research strategy 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,” Brinkworth stated.
“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,” he added.
For more information about the Diabetes Australia Research Strategy 2025-2030, interested parties can visit diabetesaustralia.com.au/research.
Diabetes Australia continues to be a national leader in supporting individuals living with or at risk of diabetes. The organization collaborates with member organizations, consumers, health professionals, state-based diabetes organizations, researchers, and the community to put people first.
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