Australia’s leading diabetes organisations welcome the Federal Government’s announcement of $10 million in funding over four years to establish the new Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovation (ACADI) at the University of Melbourne.

The ACADI will be a new virtual research centre connecting research hubs from around Australia and will link in with key industry partners and diabetes organisations to help develop new treatments, technologies and behavioural interventions to meet the challenges of the diabetes epidemic.

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said the announcement highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting people with diabetes.

“The research priorities for the Centre include diabetes-related kidney disease, peripheral neuropathy and other foot-related issues as well as acute complications of diabetes, specifically hypoglycaemia and ketoacidosis,” Ms Cain said.

“It will provide a platform to accelerate the translation of clinical research into real world therapies and technologies that improve the lives of people with diabetes.

“Diabetes Australia will be working in partnership with ACADI to ensure its research is closely aligned to the needs of people with diabetes and the diabetes workforce.

“I’d like to thank Health Minister Hon. Greg Hunt and the Federal Government for recognising how important this program is.

“I’d also like to congratulate A/Professor Elif Ekinci who will be leading ACADI. Elif is one of Australia’s leading diabetes researchers and her expertise and passion will be integral to the Centre’s success. I understand it was a highly competitive bid process, lead by Elif, and we are very pleased with the outcome.”

Australian Diabetes Society CEO A/Professor Sof Andrikopoulos said the Centre would drive innovation in diabetes research.

“We have world-class diabetes researchers in Australia and this Centre will help do exactly what its name says – accelerate innovation across all aspects of diabetes research,” A/Professor Andrikopoulos said.

“I’m excited to see the impact this has on the way we support people with diabetes in Australia.”

Australian Diabetes Educators Association President Tracey Tellam said research and innovation were crucial to meeting the challenges of the diabetes epidemic.

“Diabetes is complex and impacts every part of a person’s health. We need new treatments, therapies and approaches to ensure everyone living with diabetes can live a long, healthy and productive life. ADEA looks forward to contributing to the mission of ACADI,” Ms Tellam said.

ACADI Director, A/Professor Elif Ekinci said she was passionate about leading the Centre to deliver on its vision to improve the quality of life of people with diabetes.

“As a clinician researcher I see the first-hand impact of diabetes every day including the serious complications of the condition,” A/Professor Ekinci said.

“Working with people with diabetes fuels my passion to deliver better healthcare and support through translational research and I’m excited to work with a great team of collaborators and partners across Australia to innovate and improve the health of millions of people.”  

The Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations Research Centre (ACADI) was established through Medical Research Future Fund funding from the Australian Government’s Targeted Translation Research Accelerator program, delivered by MTPConnect.