Diabetes research funds 19 projects and two scholarships in 2026
Diabetes Australia will invest $2 million in 2026 through the Diabetes Australia Research Trust. As a result, 19 research projects across Australia will receive funding. In addition, two postgraduate scholarships will support PhD research in partnership with the National Health and Medical Research Council.
The projects span fundamental, clinical, health systems and public health research. Importantly, the investment forms part of a $40 million commitment over 10 years. This commitment aligns with the 2025-2030 Diabetes Australia Research Strategy.
Researchers will focus on artificial intelligence, diabetes complications and beta cell function. Specifically, several projects aim to preserve or restore beta cells. Meanwhile, others seek to strengthen care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said the funding addresses urgent national health priorities.
“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,” she said.
Research focus areas
Diabetes Australia Director of Research Professor Grant Brinkworth said the projects cover a broad range of expertise. For example, they include beta cell production recovery, specialist wound care and primary care models.
“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.
In addition, researchers will examine new approaches to beta cell regeneration. One project will combine immunotherapy with established treatments. Similarly, another will develop an individualised stem-cell-based approach.
“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.
Meanwhile, the University of Sydney’s Dr Julie Ayre said funding will support the development of an artificial intelligence tool. The tool will provide clear-language healthcare summaries for people 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.”
Finally, projects were selected through a peer review process. The process aligned with the 2025-2030 Research Strategy. Diabetes Australia acknowledged the Research Steering Committee and expert peer reviewers for assessing applications.
