Urgent action is needed to ensure all Australians have access to life‑saving innovations and the care needed to stay well

Together, we are transforming diabetes care through new treatments, medical technologies, multi-site clinical trials and  transformative models of care

Welcome from the Director

I am delighted to welcome you to ACADI – The Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations Research Centre.

Diabetes remains one of Australia’s—and the world’s—most significant and complex health challenges, with the greatest impact felt by those who already experience inequity in health care. For many individuals, families and communities, the burden of diabetes is not only clinical, but physical, emotional and financial—shaping daily life and long‑term health outcomes. 

My commitment to this work began early in my career as a young doctor, when I spent time working in Indigenous and remote communities. It was heartbreaking to see so many people experiencing severe complications from diabetes—not because they lacked motivation, but because they lacked access to timely, appropriate care. These experiences have stayed with me and continue to drive my efforts to improve diabetes care for all Australians. 

Today, as more people are living longer with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, the risk of serious complications continues to grow. With 30—40% of people admitted to hospital known to have diabetes, it is clear that urgent action is needed to ensure all Australians have access to life‑saving innovations and the care needed to stay well and live full lives. 

In response to this clear need, the Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations (ACADI) was established in 2022 with an initial four‑year investment from the Australian Government’s Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF). This foundational investment brought together a national network of more than 70 partners and supporters spanning research, health services, advocacy, industry and communities. 

From 2026, this collaborative work continues with core operations supported through a 10‑year partnership with Diabetes Victoria, alongside further Commonwealth and philanthropic investment to sustain national capability and accelerate the translation of research into practice. Together, we are transforming diabetes care through new treatments, medical technologies, multi-site clinical trials and transformative models of care—underpinned by a strong commitment to health equity and genuine research co‑design. 

But there is more work to do. As ACADI moves into its next phase, our focus remains on sustaining national capability, strengthening partnerships, and translating innovative research into practical, accessible solutions that improve outcomes for people living with diabetes. 

I invite you to explore ACADI’s initiatives and to connect with us as we shape the future of diabetes research and care in Australia. 

 

Professor Elif Ekinci MBBS FRACP PhD
Director, Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations  

Accelerating Impact

Through our collaborative, patient-centred approach, ACADI has already delivered:

What is ACADI?

The Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations Research Centre (ACADI) is a virtual collaborative diabetes centre uniting over 70 partners and supporters spanning all Australian States and Territories and four international sites.

ACADI brings together academic and research partners, advocacy groups, health services and industry partners with a shared purpose of delivering novel interventions for timely diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications.

ACADI specifically addresses equity in diabetes-related healthcare to ensure all Australians, regardless of geographic location or cultural background, have equal access to innovative treatments, technologies and clinical trials.