Indiana Diabetes Research Center

Indiana University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

Abstract (Overview) The mission of the Indiana Diabetes Research Center (IDRC) is closely aligned with key goals articulated in the NIDDK Strategic Plan for Research and rests on four main pillars of activity: 1) robust support of translational research in diabetes and related metabolic disorders; 2) effective stewardship of resources and promotion of research that emphasizes rigor and reproducibility; 3) facilitating collaboration; and 4) support of training and workforce development. The IDRC includes a community of 110 investigators, located at the Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM) and its affiliated institutions, who represent four integrated research themes: Cellular & Molecular Metabolism; Complications of Diabetes & Obesity; Islet Function & Survival; and Nutrition & Physiology of Diabetes & Obesity. To support this community, the IDRC leverages federal, institutional, and philanthropic funds to oversee Research Cores that dynamically evolve to meet the emerging needs of our Research Base, a Pilot & Feasibility Program that provides financial support and mentoring, and an Enrichment Program that serves as a focal point for information exchange and collaboration. Four IDRC Research Cores drive research and facilitate collaboration and innovation. These Cores include the Microscopy and Islet & Physiology Cores, which facilitate cellular and small animal research, a Translation Core to advance clinical and human tissue research, and a Data & Analytics Core, which provides support for studies with multiple data types and electronic health records. The Administrative Core oversees the governance of the IDRC, with input from an Executive Committee and Internal and External Advisory Boards of diabetes/metabolism research and institutional leaders. Anchored by these groups, the IDRC advocates for its diabetes and metabolic disease Research Base and serves as an exemplary contributor to the NIDDK network of Diabetes Research Centers (DRC), supporting outreach, technology development, knowledge exchange, and collaborations with other DRCs. The IDRC will achieve the following aims: (1) Develop and sustain Research Cores that facilitate implementation of state-of-the-art methodologies and promote rigor and reproducibility. (2) Enhance a highly collaborative environment that promotes learning and encourages interaction among IDRC investigators and between the IDRC and other Diabetes Research Centers. (3) Support the innovative research of a burgeoning pool of superb investigators with the potential to become future leaders in diabetes research. (4) Build and strengthen the diabetes research base, support infrastructure to ensure ongoing growth and innovation, and engage with the local community to raise diabetes awareness and involvement.