Our research impact

Challenge 

Professor John Wentworth received funding from the ������ Research Program in 2022 to develop a finger prick blood test to diagnose type 1 diabetes early, well before symptoms appear. Early detection saves lives and opens the door to prevention. 

Bold idea 

Leveraging additional support from JDRF, Lions Diabetes Research Foundation, Type1Foundation and other donors, he developed and implemented an inexpensive, home-based finger-prick screening test to identify children and young people who are at high risk of developing type 1 diabetes.

Impact 

John was first to show that his new test could make national screening possible. His work has attracted substantial additional funding of $4M from BreakthroughT1D to scale up testing capacity and bring the test into routine clinical use over coming years.   

This simple test will help reach regional and remote communities, improve quality of life, and reduce healthcare costs—while accelerating trials for treatments to eliminate the need for lifelong insulin injections. The impact goes beyond Australia. Countries such as Italy have legislated universal screening, and global demand is growing.  

“Our ultimate goal is to develop capacity to screen every five-year-old child in Australia, identify the 1 in 300 who are at risk and make sure they have access to prevention therapies.” 

~ Professor John Wentworth

Learn more about diabetes research and our research impact.

Our research impact

Challenge 

Dr Tongzhi Wu, from Adelaide Medical School, has been funded by ������ to conduct research into the critical role of the small intestine in controlling blood glucose, food absorption, and metabolic health.  

Bold idea 

Dr Wu’s work is based on the premise that gut function can be harnessed to improve diabetes management and reduce cardiometabolic risk. His vision was to define new, safe, and cost-effective pathways for therapies, leveraging the power of both existing medications, such as the most widely used anti-diabetic drug metformin, and physiological substances, including bile acids and nutritional compounds.  

Impact  

The studies conducted by Dr Wu’s team have revealed new actions of metformin and have influenced international treatment recommendations for metformin use, opening new pathways for therapies that could improve diabetes management and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. His clinical research has also demonstrated potent effects of physiological bile acids to stimulate the release of the gut hormone GLP-1, suppress appetite and improve postprandial glucose control in both healthy individuals and people living with type 2 diabetes. 

This insight is driving development of new bile acid-based treatments for obesity and diabetes, now in early clinical trials. These advances have secured $2.7 million in additional research funding for Dr Wu to continue his groundbreaking studies. 

Learn more about diabetes research and our research impact.

Our research impact

Challenge 

Type 2 diabetes affects millions of Australians and remains a leading cause of serious long-term complications. While current treatments have improved outcomes, many people experience diminishing effectiveness over time. Blood glucose becomes harder to control. Weight increases. The risk of cardiovascular and other complications remains high. 

Traditionally, type 2 diabetes has been viewed as a disease of the pancreas, liver, muscle, and fat. However, we now recognise that the brain plays a central role in regulating appetite, energy balance, and glucose control. Exactly how disrupted brain signalling contributes to metabolic dysfunction has remained unclear. This knowledge gap limits the development of therapies that target the root drivers of disease. 

Bold idea 

Through three ������-funded projects, Professor Garron Dodd and his team investigated how specific neurons in the hypothalamus regulate blood glucose and how these circuits become compromised in type 2 diabetes. 

The research uncovered previously unrecognised neuronal populations that directly influence glycaemic control. It also identified structural and cellular changes within key metabolic brain regions that may drive insulin resistance and disease progression. 

By shifting the focus toward the brain as a master regulator of metabolic health, this work expands the therapeutic landscape beyond traditional peripheral targets. 

Impact  

For many patients, current therapies eventually reach a ceiling. When that happens, options narrow. 

By defining new brain-based mechanisms that regulate blood glucose, this research lays the foundation for therapies that work differently from existing treatments. Instead of only addressing downstream metabolic consequences, future interventions could restore control within the brain circuits that coordinate appetite, body weight, and glycaemia. 

This approach has the potential to deliver more durable metabolic control and provide new treatment options for people who do not respond adequately to current therapies. 

Professor Dodd is Head of the Metabolic Neuroscience Laboratory at the University of Melbourne, and is Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Gallant Bio, a biotechnology company developing novel brain-targeted therapeutics for patients with type 2 diabetes. This ensures that discoveries supported by ������ are not confined to the laboratory but are actively progressing toward clinical development. 

������ invests in research that delivers meaningful improvements in prevention, management, and long-term outcomes. Funding from ������ has been instrumental in enabling these discoveries and accelerating their path toward real-world impact for people living with type 2 diabetes. 

Learn more about diabetes research and our research impact.

Our research impact

Challenge 

Diabetes stigma can harm emotional and social wellbeing, self-care, and access to healthcare. While stigma in other types of diabetes has been studied, little was known about stigma in gestational diabetes (GDM). There has also been no tool to measure GDM-related stigma, limiting efforts to address it. 

Bold idea 

With support from ������, this study explored how Australian women with GDM experience stigma and co-developed the first comprehensive questionnaire to measure it. This project was led by Dr Elizabeth Holmes-Truscott who has lived experience of GDM and is Deputy Director of the Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes (a partnership between Diabetes Victoria and Deakin University). 

Impact  

The study gave new insights into women’s experiences of GDM-related stigma. Women described stigma driven by stereotypes and blame, shaped by social expectations about pregnancy and motherhood, media messages, and inconsistent healthcare. They reported emotional and social impacts of stigma, challenges with self-care, and reduced autonomy in healthcare decisions.

Women also identified protective factors. These included supportive healthcare and social networks, self-belief, and greater community awareness of GDM.

Findings informed the co-design of questions to measure GDM-related stigma, now ready for further testing. This tool will support future research to measure prevalence, understand impacts, and evaluate stigma-reduction efforts. This work also supports Elizabeth’s co-leadership of the Global Pledge to End Diabetes Stigma. 

Learn more about diabetes research and our research impact.

Our research impact

Challenge 

For decades, dietary guidelines for type 2 diabetes focused on high-carbohydrate, low-fat diets. But it was clear that carbohydrate is the primary factor driving larger, more rapid and prolonged glucose response after meals and these traditional approaches often delivered only modest improvements in weight and blood glucose control. With type 2 diabetes rates continuing to rise, Professor Grant Brinkworth and his team set out to find better solutions. 

Bold idea 

It was time to challenge old assumptions. Professor Brinkworth was supported by ������ to conduct clinical trials to test hypotheses and explore alternative dietary approaches for type 2 diabetes management. 

Impact 

Clinical trials showed that replacing some carbohydrates with protein and healthy (unsaturated) fats, combined with structured exercise, achieved sustained and clinically relevant weight loss, greater improvement in blood glucose management, and reduction in risk factors for heart disease compared to the traditional high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet approach. Long-term studies confirmed superior benefits for managing type 2 diabetes and reducing heart disease risk—without harming kidney or brain health. 

This evidence has influenced global understanding of diet for type 2 diabetes, helping to modify clinical practice guidelines and has informed the development of and access to real-world practical products and services that are being used by individuals living with, and at risk of, diabetes and their health professionals to improve lives.    

Professor Brinkworth was able to leverage the generous funding from ������ and its donors to secure an additional $3.1 million in research funding to explore long-term health effects of these dietary strategies. 

Learn more about diabetes research and our research impact.

A new strategic partnership between ������ and Cystic Fibrosis Research Limited will fund research into cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD).

The partnership will see almost $600,000 invested, beginning with an $80,000 first-round investment to identify the research priorities that matter most to the CFRD community.

Around one third of people diagnosed with cystic fibrosis develop CFRD as a complication, which is believed to develop as part of cystic fibrosis through damage to the pancreas, resulting in both insulin resistance and insufficiency.

CFRD requires careful management to protect lung health, prevent nutritional decline, maintain healthy weight and strength, and to lower the risk of infection. 

������ Group CEO Justine Cain said the agreement demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to Australians living with all types of diabetes.

“This partnership will turn evidence into action, creating a positive impact in people’s lives.

“Cystic fibrosis is a devastating chronic condition but developments in treatment and management have significantly improved outcomes for individuals,” Ms Cain said.

“Both diabetes and cystic fibrosis are strongly influenced by genetic factors, meaning there are real opportunities for developing more effective management.

“We’re proud to partner with Cystic Fibrosis Research Limited to amplify research impact, and to support innovation that puts lived experience at the heart of research.”

Cystic Fibrosis Research Limited Director and Cystic Fibrosis Queensland CEO Petrina Fraccaro said the investment in research would help address misunderstandings while focusing on lived experience. 

“Cystic fibrosis related diabetes is one of the most common and serious complications of cystic fibrosis, yet it remains widely misunderstood and under-recognised. This partnership represents a critical step toward ensuring research priorities are shaped by lived experience and focused on the real-world challenges faced by Australians living with CFRD,” she said.

“CFRD is a form of pancreatogenic, or Type 3c diabetes, caused by progressive damage to the pancreas. It is fundamentally different from type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and requires specialised approaches to care, research, and support.

“As people with cystic fibrosis live longer, addressing complications like CFRD is essential. This investment signals an important commitment to improving both quality of life and long-term health outcomes for our community,” Ms Fraccaro said.

The first funding call will support a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing the CFRD community with a national approach and focus on lived experience. This will assist in identifying research topics for future funding investment to advance the development of evidence-based solutions to address issues that matter most to the CFRD community.

Identified priorities will be shared with the CFRD community including aligned research funding agencies with invitations to collaborate, coordinate and co-fund research investment at the conclusion of the identification phase.

Calls for project proposals nominations are anticipated to open in March 2026.   

Partnerships like this are part of the 2025-2030 ������ Research Strategy, which supports research that is informed by lived experience. For more information please visit /current-research-projects/

About CFRL

Cystic Fibrosis Research Limited (CFRL) was established in April 1990 by Cystic Fibrosis Queensland to administer and grow bequests and donations to further cystic fibrosis research priorities. The objective of CFRL is to act as custodian of a ‘Capital Fund’ for the purpose of facilitating research into, investigation of and the eventual cure of cystic fibrosis.

The diabetes sector across Australia has come together to call for better access to life-changing diabetes technologies.

Ahead of the National Diabetes Summit in March, the community has made two submissions to the 2026-27 Federal Budget seeking affordable access to diabetes technologies for those who face the greatest risk of complications.

Diabetes is the gateway to 57 other chronic conditions including kidney and cardiovascular disease. Investing in effective diabetes management technologies is one of the most powerful ways to reduce the wider personal and economic impacts of this condition.

The joint submissions, supported by peak diabetes, research and lived experience organisations, urge the Australian Government to expand subsidies for Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems for people living with type 1 diabetes in priority groups and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices for people living with type 2 diabetes and other types of diabetes in priority groups, through the National Diabetes Services Scheme.

Together, ������, the Australian Diabetes Society, the Australian Diabetes Educators Association, the Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society, Breakthrough T1D, Diabetes WA, Diabetes Victoria, Diabetes SA, Healthy Living NT and the Australia and New Zealand Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes are proposing practical, targeted reforms that would improve technology affordability, equity and access.

Diabetes costs the Australian health system an estimated $14.2 billion annually, with costs forecast to increase to $45 billion by 2050.

The submissions’ modelling shows that more affordable access to insulin pumps and CGM devices would deliver long-term savings to the health system by reducing preventable complications and hospitalisations.

������’s Group CEO Justine Cain said CGM devices and AID systems are now the standard of care.

“These technologies aren’t a ‘nice to have’, they are absolutely necessary,” Ms Cain said.

“Right now, we’re seeing a widening gap between what we know works and what people can afford. Cost should never determine whether someone can access life‑changing care.

“Technology helps children feel safe at school or on camp. It helps women plan a healthy pregnancy with confidence. For families, it can mean finally sleeping through the night without setting alarms to check glucose levels. For older Australians, it helps to maintain independence and avoid hospital admissions

“These technologies provide real-time insights and precise insulin adjustments that dramatically reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and limb amputations.

“But for too many Australians, they are simply unaffordable.

“This is an important policy conversation that can deliver meaningful change for people living with diabetes, and we welcome the opportunity to work constructively with government and partners across the sector to take it forward,” Ms Cain said.

The submission on AID subsidies recommends expanding funding for insulin pumps to enable AID systems for 38,000 Australians living with type 1 diabetes in priority groups including children and young adults under 21, people experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and those planning pregnancy or pregnant. The proposed investment is $298.95 million over four years. Should it continue to be adopted in future years, the program is projected to deliver $4.28 billion in net benefits by 2066.

The Australian government already subsidises access to CGM devices for people living with type 1 diabetes. This submission recommends expanding subsidies for CGM to make the devices more affordable for 16,000 people with type 2 and other forms of insulin-treated diabetes in priority groups. They include people on intensive insulin regimens for type 2 diabetes who are healthcare card holders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people under 21 years of age, and women planning pregnancy through to six months post birth. The submission also recommends subsidies for adults with rare types of insulin-requiring diabetes that are similar to type 1 diabetes.

The proposed investment in CGM subsidies is $106.48 million over four years. Should it continue to be adopted in future years, the program is projected to deliver $1.3 billion in net benefits by 2066, which is a $2.69 return for every dollar invested.

With 2 million Australians living with diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes, the community believes evidence-based technology delivered through the trusted NDSS infrastructure offers a responsible, forward-looking investment in better health outcomes for individuals, the health system and the nation.

Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society

“Diabetes is a key driver of health inequity in Australia. Investment in these life changing technologies will save money in the long run and improve health outcomes for those most at risk.”
Dr Matthew Hare, President, ADIPS

Australian Diabetes Society

“Equitable and affordable access to diabetes-management technology is critical to providing effective care for people with diabetes and the cornerstone of advocacy for the Australian Diabetes Society. These budget submissions are the first step to technology access for all Australians living with diabetes.”
Sof Andrikopoulos, CEO, ADS

Australian Diabetes Educators Association

“Expanding subsidies for diabetes technology must go hand in hand with investment in the diabetes workforce. As outlined in the joint submissions, funding dedicated consultations with Credentialled Diabetes Educators (CDEs), alongside national training and coordinated referral pathways, will maximise clinical outcomes, strengthen workforce productivity and ensure the health system is ready for increased uptake of AID systems and CGM.”
Melanie Morris, CEO, ADEA

Breakthrough T1D Australia

“AID systems represent the standard of care for people living with type 1 diabetes. They enable optimal condition management, improve quality of life, and deliver meaningful cost savings to the public health system. We’ve seen the transformative impact of CGM subsidisation, with more than 70% of Australians living with type 1 diabetes now using this technology. We are so grateful to the Government for this, and we want to see similar access to insulin pumps, which are currently used by just 30% of the community.

“The future we envision is one where no Australian affected by type 1 diabetes has to weigh up cost when deciding whether to access life-saving technology.”
Sydney Yovic, CEO, Breakthrough T1D.

Australia & New Zealand Society for Paediatric Endocrinology in Diabetes (ANZSPED)

“ANZSPED supports these targeted proposals to expand access to Automated Insulin Delivery and continuous glucose monitoring through the NDSS, particularly for children, young people and other high-risk groups. These technologies represent contemporary standards of care that reduce clinical risk, ease the daily burden on families, and deliver long-term health system value by preventing avoidable complications and hospitalisations.”
Dr Tony Huynh, President, ANZSPED

Diabetes WA

“Diabetes WA is proud to stand by the side of West Australians living with diabetes and amplify their voices through this joint submission. Our commitment to this advocacy reflects our belief that diabetes technology is truly transformative when it is affordable and accessible.”
Melanie Gates, CEO, Diabetes WA

Diabetes SA

“What we are seeing is a widening gap between what we know works and what people can access. These technologies are not a luxury, they are essential. When people are priced out of care that we know prevents complications and hospital admissions, the system is failing.”
Catherine Hughes, CEO, Diabetes SA 

Diabetes Victoria

“Treatment and technology should be affordable and easy to access for all people living with diabetes. We are proud to join with other diabetes organisations in the sector to advocate for this.”
Glen Noonan, CEO, Diabetes Victoria

Healthy Living NT

“Healthy Living NT is a strong advocate for equity in access to healthcare and this life-changing technology should be affordable and accessible across Australia to support people with diabetes.” Anne Kemp, CEO, Healthy Living NT

National Diabetes Summit

The National Diabetes Summit, to be held at Parliament House on 31 March, will provide an important platform for discussion about the increasing impact of diabetes on Australians, including the benefits of technology. The landmark summit will bring together leaders across diabetes, health, research, policy and advocacy to accelerate practical solutions and drive long-term policy change to strengthen the health system.

About ������   

������ is the national peak body supporting people living with, and at risk of, diabetes. We are leading the national response to Australia’s largest health crisis, working in collaboration with people with lived experience, member organisations, peak bodies, health professionals, state-based organisations, researchers and the community. Our work focuses on supporting people with diabetes to live well, providing information, resources, and support services, as well as investing in prevention, and reducing the impact of diabetes on people, health systems and society. We advocate for positive change that will create a healthier future for everyone.   

For information:                Monica Rostron, ������ – 0409 126 332

������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������mrostron@diabetesaustralia.com.au

Innovative research projects that leverage AI technology, reduce diabetes complications, and seek to preserve and restore beta cell function are set for a $2 million investment in 2026 through the ������ Research Trust.

This funding will support 19 cutting edge projects across fundamental, clinical, health systems and public health research, as part of ������’s commitment to invest $40 million over 10 years alongside the 2025-2030 ������ Research Strategy.

A further two scholarships will support PhD postgraduate research in diabetes, in partnership with the National Health and Medical Research Council.

Guided by the Research Strategy, this funding supports a commitment to involve people living with and at risk of diabetes throughout the research process, including selecting priority projects, co-designing research and solutions, and ensuring vulnerable communities are prioritised.

������ Group CEO Justine Cain said this year’s research investment would create a positive impact in critical areas including reducing diabetes complications, and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

“Diabetes is one of the most urgent health challenges of our time, affecting more than two million Australians,” Ms Cain said.

“Through our research funding, we aim to centre the experiences of people living with diabetes throughout the research process to fast-track solutions that will improve daily lives and deliver measurable impact.

“This investment is made possible by the generous support of our donors and partners, who we thank for supporting evidence-based research that prioritises the unmet needs of people living with diabetes and the diabetes community.

“Congratulations to all funding recipients. We are excited to see how your projects contribute to better health outcomes and improved lived experiences for all Australians living with diabetes, their support networks, and our health system.”

������ Director of Research Professor Grant Brinkworth said the projects funded cover a wide range of expertise, from cutting-edge beta-cell production recovery, to specialist wound care, and projects to centre Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in diabetes primary care.

“Several projects support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by developing community-led diabetes primary care models, including work to progress language-based culturally inclusive health education through collaboration with community leaders,” Professor Brinkworth said.

“Cutting-edge research into novel approaches to beta cell regeneration will look into new ways to combine immunotherapy with established treatments, while another project will seek to develop an individualised stem-cell based approach to beta cell regeneration.

“AI-based research projects will focus on creating tools that make health information easier to understand, support people in managing their own wellbeing, and strengthen the connection between individuals and their care team,” he said.

The University of Sydney’s Dr Julie Ayre said the funding would help build an artificial intelligence tool that could provide clear-language healthcare summaries for people living with diabetes.

“This grant will help us co-design an AI tool to make health care easier to understand, more accessible, and better meet the needs of people with diabetes,” said Dr Ayre.

“AI-generated, health-literate summaries of personalised care advice have the potential to transform how people with and at risk of diabetes build the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to live well with diabetes.”

A total of 19 projects have been funded in the 2026 ������ Research Project funding round, totalling $2 million in investment, and a further two National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) ������ postgraduate scholarships. 

Projects were selected through a peer review process against criteria that supports the ������ 2025-2030 Research Strategy. 

������ would like to thank the Research Steering Committee and expert peer reviewers for their time, expertise and thoughtful consideration of each application. 

2026 ������ Research Program Grants

RESEARCHER	INSTITUTION	PROJECT	CO-INVESTIGATORS
A/Prof Behnam Akhavan	University of Newcastle	Engineering a Needle-Free Saliva Test for Type 2 Diabetes: A Low-Cost Glucose Sensor for Rural and Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Communities	Prof Shamasunder Acharya Prof Alexis Hure Dr Syamak Farajikhah Dr Shanika Nanayakkara
Dr Bernard Asiamah-Asare	Deakin University	Shifting the Curve: Modelling the Case for Earlier Intervention in Type 2 Diabetes	Dr Crystal Lee Dr Sean Randall Prof Suzanne Robinson Dr Elizabeth Holmes-Truscott Dr Gill Cowen
Dr Julie Ayre	University of Sydney	Clear Words, Better Care Project: Evaluating AI-generated, patient friendly summaries for people with diabetes	A/Prof Carissa Bonner Prof Adam Dunn Dr Gideon Meyerowitz-Katz Dr Shanthini Seelan Mrs Geetha Bhat
Dr Richard Bright	Flinders University	Improving Outcomes with Ankle Fracture Fixation Devices in T2DM Patients	Prof Krasimir Vasilev Prof Ruurd Jaarsma A/Prof Tania Crotti
Dr Kaley Butten	CSIRO	Your Health, Your Summary: Supporting Postpartum Care with a Digital Discharge Summary	Dr Marlien Varnfield
Dr Kevin Chemello Kellion Research Award	University of New South Wales	Preservation and Restoration of β-Cell Function in Type 1 Diabetes Using a Novel Peptide-Immunomodulatory Combination Therapy	Prof Kerry-Anne Rye Dr Blake Cochran A/Prof Shane Thomas Prof Gerard O’Shea Ms Zara Mckinstry Mr Abel Orellana
Dr Paddy Dempsey	Deakin University	SMART-T2D: Adapting and co-designing a next-generation AI-powered digital ecosystem to support personalised self-care for type 2 diabetes.	Prof Ralph Maddison Dr Yuxin Zhang Dr Paul Janson Prof David Dunstan Prof Jane Speight A/Prof Neale Cohen Dr Charitha Dissanayake Dr Michael Wheeler
Miss Mariam Hachem	University of Melbourne	The ICO-CGM Trial for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with type 2 diabetes.	Prof Elif Ekinci Ms Tracey Hearn Mr Bernard Kelly-Edwards Prof Leonid Churilov Dr Marlena Klaic Prof David O’Neal Mr Ray Kelly Ms Coralie Cross Prof Chris Schilling Dr Elizabeth Holmes-Truscott Prof Stephen Twigg Ms Laura Zimmerman Dr Jas-mine Seah Prof Sean Taylor
Dr Jay Jha	Monash University	Decoding NOX5: A Novel Non-Invasive Biomarker for Early Detection of Kidney Dysfunction in Obesity and Diabetes	Dr Karly Sourris Prof Karin Jandeleit-Dahm Prof Jonathan Shaw
Dr Xuyu (Johnny) Liu	Heart Research Institute	Microengineered Digital Vessel Twins for Personalized Antithrombotic Screening and Diet Planning to Reduce the Risk of Strokes and Thrombotic Complications in Diabetes	Prof Arnold Ju Dr Mike Wu A/Prof Freda Passam Dr Timothy Ang
Dr Diana MacKay	Menzies School of Health Research	Enhancing Ngarnduma Women’s Story Sharing: further development of culturally resonant health promotion messages and health education activities in the Maningrida Healthy Women’s Project	Mrs Norlisha Bartlett Ms Jessica Phillips Ms Felicity Douglas
Dr Olumuyiwa Omonaiye	Deakin University	Improving care and outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples with Type 2 diabetes mellitus in Eastern Melbourne	Dr Sharon Atkinson-Briggs Prof Bodil Rasmussen Ms Kate Corrigan A/Prof Jacqueline Boyle A/Prof Rosemary Wong Ms Josette O’Donnell Dr Elizabeth Holmes-Truscott Ms Sarah Gales
Dr Jacqueline Schiesser	Murdoch Children’s Research Institute	Defining a stem cell derived beta cell replacement therapy for the treatment of type 1 diabetes	Prof Ed Stanley
Dr Mitchell Sullivan	University of the Sunshine Coast	Glycogen Structural Dysregulation as a Novel Driver of Liver Injury in Diabetes-Associated MASLD	Prof James O’Beirne Dr Lochlan Fennell A/Prof Nicholas West
A/Prof Ryu Takechi	Curtin University	Maintaining Healthy Brain in Diabetes Patients: Novel Insights through ApoE4 Genotype	Dr Virginie Lam Prof Gerald Watts Dr Tim Rosenow Prof John Mamo
Dr Mary White	Murdoch Children’s Research Institute	DIRECT-T1DM: Decision-Support for Real-Time Evaluation & Clinical Management of New Onset Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in the Primary Care Setting	Dr Barbara Hunter A/Prof Jo-Anne Manski-Nankervis A/Prof Craig Nelson Prof Dougie Boyle Prof Harriet Hiscock Prof Fergus Cameron Ms Karly Cini Dr Cate Bailey Dr Christopher Preston Dr Devaang Kevat Dr Rahul Barmanway Dr Gabby Atlas Ms Molly O’Sullivan
Dr Ziyu Wang	University of Sydney	A hydrogel dressing regulator of temporal inflammation to accelerate diabetic wound healing	Prof Stephen Twigg Dr Danqing Min Prof Anthony Weiss
A/Prof Tongzhi Wu	Adelaide University	A novel renal pathway for non-nutritive sweetener risk in prediabetes	Prof Christopher Rayner A/Prof Richard Young Dr Natalie Luscombe-Marsh Prof Merlin Thomas
Dr Belinda Yau	University of Sydney	Using insulin granule proteomics to uncover new biomarkers for type 1 diabetes	A/Prof Melkam Kebede Dr Kirstine Bell

2026 NHMRC – DIABETES AUSTRALIA POSTGRADUATE AWARD

RESEARCHER	INSTITUTION	PROJECT	SUPERVISORS
Dr Beryl Lin	Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute	Improving cardiorenal outcomes in type 2 diabetes: real-world implementation and population-level impact of SLGT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists	Prof Dianna Magliano Prof Jonathan Shaw
Ms Caroline Deen	University of Sydney	Development of culturally appropriate household food security indicators for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people	Ass Prof Veronica Matthews Ms Simone Sherriff Dr Alana Gall

Australia’s response to one of its most significant health challenges will come into sharp focus at ������’s National Diabetes Summit in March.

The landmark summit at Parliament House in Canberra will bring together leaders across diabetes, health, research, policy and advocacy to address the increasing impact of diabetes on Australians.

With two million Australians living with diabetes and growing pressure on hospitals, primary care and government budgets, the event aims to accelerate practical solutions and long-term policy change.

The summit will provide a platform for collaboration and innovation, exploring bold strategies to improve outcomes for people living with diabetes while strengthening Australia’s health system for future generations. The program is designed to foster cross-sector dialogue, connect lived experience with decision-making, and translate evidence into action.

A key focus of the day will be engaging influential voices shaping national health policy and contributing to reforms that improve health outcomes and equity. Participants will include people living with diabetes, health system leaders, policymakers, advocates and decision-makers, creating a rare opportunity for direct exchange at the heart of government.

Following the summit, an Exhibition and Networking Reception will showcase the latest technologies, services, treatments and research advancing diabetes prevention and management, offering hands-on exposure to innovations already reshaping care and support across Australia.

The National Diabetes Summit is designed for those seeking to influence the future of diabetes policy and practice, understand emerging technologies, and contribute to a national conversation with real-world impact. It underscores the importance of coordinated leadership at a time when prevention, early intervention and equitable access to care and diabetes technology are more critical than ever.

The National Diabetes Summit will be held at Australian Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday, 31 March 2026.

Official registration:

������ has given the nation’s top MedTech innovators half a million reasons to develop breakthrough technologies that transform the lives of people living with and at risk of diabetes.

The ������ Grand Innovation Challenge is now calling for innovations including medical devices, digital health tools, new therapies and pharmacological solutions to prevent, treat and cure diabetes.

Startups, entrepreneurs, private sector businesses, research teams, and healthcare providers are encouraged to apply for six research grants from a total pool of $500,000.

������’s Group CEO Justine Cain said the aim of the Challenge is to fast track the development of real-world, person-centred innovations that make a meaningful impact in the lives of people living with diabetes.

“We know that Australian researchers and innovators have fantastic ideas that could change lives. This is the chance to bring them to life,” Ms Cain said.

“We’re looking for bold possibilities that will make a real difference.

“Importantly, successful applicants will need to show how they are going to include people with lived experience of diabetes in the development of their solutions. This is vital to ensuring research and prototypes become tangible solutions that reach the people who need them most.

“The Challenge will strengthen Australia’s position as a leader in diabetes research, technology and advocacy, which is a key part of ������’s mission to improve the lives of people living with diabetes,” Ms Cain said.

In addition to the funding grants, the opportunity to partner with national MedTech industry leaders is also on offer. The Challenge will be delivered in partnership with industry partner MedTech Compass by the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA). MedTech Compass will be offering finalists complementary membership that includes access to pitch training, as well as networking and mentoring with industry experts.

Central to the challenge is a focus on person-centred design and equitable access to healthcare. Innovations will be evaluated for their ability to improve lived experience, reduce access disparities, and deliver sustained benefits, especially among vulnerable and priority populations across Australia.

������’s Blue Circle Collective Community Advocate Warren Bingham said the challenge is an exciting opportunity to foster multidisciplinary collaboration between researchers, industry and people with lived experience.

“Innovations will be judged not only on their technical merit but also on their real-world impact,” Mr Bingham said.

“With targeted funding and national recognition, the challenge is committed to closing critical gaps in the Australian diabetes innovation pipeline by helping translate promising evidence-based innovations and prototypes into scalable, accessible solutions that reach the people who need them most.”

The ������ Grand Innovation Challenge is proudly supported by the Coghlan Family through a generous bequest of Charles Campbell Coghlan OAM.

For more information visit /diabetes-australia-research-program/grand-innovation-challenge/.