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The Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations Research Centre (ACADI) was established as a virtual collaborative diabetes centre in 2022 through MRFF funding from the Australian Government’s Targeted Translation Research Accelerator (TTRA) program, delivered by MTPConnect.
Led by Professor Elif Ekinci, Sir Edward Weary Dunlop Principal Research Fellow in Metabolic Medicine and Dame Kate Campbell Fellow at the University of Melbourne, ACADI brings together more than 70 partners, collaborators and supporters.
Spanning all Australian States and Territories and four international sites, the Centre connects academic and research partners, advocacy groups, health services, industry partners and communities with a shared goal: to improve outcomes for people with diabetes at every stage, from diagnosis through to its complications.
Our Purpose
The Centre’s purpose is to develop and deliver new approaches to the early diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications. Through a coordinated national platform—including research, clinical trials, training and partnerships—ACADI aims to improve quality of life and life expectancy for all Australians living with diabetes.
ACADI has a strong focus on equity in diabetes‑related healthcare, with targeted initiatives to support access to innovative technology, products and clinical trials for all Australians, regardless of geographic location or cultural background.
Sustaining Impact
Following the conclusion of the Centre’s TTRA MRFF establishment funding in December 2025, ACADI transitioned to a new phase of operation. From 2026, core operations are supported through a 10‑year partnership with Diabetes Victoria, ensuring that lived experience is embedded at the centre of ACADI’s programs and supporting the continuation of its mission.
This next phase is further bolstered by additional Australian Government MRFF investment announced in May 2026. Delivered over four years, this funding will underpin the implementation of research findings and helps translate evidence into improved care for people living with diabetes.
ACADI has also been formally recognised by the University of Melbourne as a University Research Centre for a further 10 years, reflecting confidence in the Centre’s national leadership, relevance and impact beyond its establishment period. This status supports ACADI’s ability to operate with autonomy and visibility while maintaining a distinct identity and continuing to work alongside a diverse national network of collaborators.
Looking to the future, ACADI will ensure that multi-disciplinary research collaboration translates into practical, accessible improvements in care and delivers meaningful outcomes for people living with diabetes across Australia.