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 unites over 60 partners and supporters. Spanning all Australian States and Territories and four international sites, the Centre brings together Academic Partners, Advocacy Groups, Health Services and Industry Partners with a shared vision to benefit people with diabetes at each stage, from diagnosis through to its devastating complications.
Our collective purpose is to deliver novel interventions for timely diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications. Our research and development platform, national training program, and sustainable model will increase quality of life and life expectancy for all Australians living with diabetes.
ACADI specifically addresses equity in diabetes‑related healthcare with targeted initiatives to ensure all Australians, regardless of geographic location or cultural background, have equal access to innovative technology, products and clinical trials.
The Centre’s TTRA MRFF establishment funding concluded in December 2025, marking the transition to a new phase of operation. A defining pillar of this next phase is ACADI’s landmark 10‑year partnership with Diabetes Victoria. From 2026, Diabetes Victoria will fund core Centre operations and ensure that lived experience is embedded at the heart of all ACADI programs, supporting the continuation of ACADI’s mission into the future.
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.
Welcome from ACADI’s Director
I am delighted to welcome you to ACADI – The Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations Research Centre.
Globally, more than 500 million people live with diabetes with 51% more people expected by 2045. ACADI is uniquely positioned to improve the lives of millions of people in Australia and overseas, and to set Australia as a global leader in innovations for diabetes.
I am fortunate to be surrounded by an incredible team to drive change, including ACADI Deputy Director, Professor David O’Neal, who supports our translational research and training activities. Furthermore, our Priority and Platform Leads are world-class clinician researchers that have worked collaboratively for many years and will provide strong inclusive leadership for ACADI initiatives. Our research portfolio will be supported by our Advisory Groups including an Independent Scientific and Commercialisation Advisory, International Advisory, Indigenous Advisory and Consumer Advisory groups.
We are united in our passion to transform the lives of people with diabetes and committed to ensuring access and equity in healthcare services, innovative treatment, and novel interventions. We are focused on building sustainable capacity with the support and development of emerging leaders in the diabetes field. Our comprehensive training program, led by Professor Sarah Glastras, supports multiple PhD students and early career researchers (ECRs). To ensure cultural diversity, we have specifically earmarked PhD stipends and ECR awards for Indigenous Australians.
We anticipate ACADI will deliver sustained outcomes including:
- Increased human capital skilled in translational research, accessible to Australian industry and health services
- Increased access to cutting-edge interventions for people with diabetes
- New and enhanced partnerships between industry, academia and health services generating broader economic outcomes, including education and training exports
- Improved experience, care, and safety for people with diabetes and increased effectiveness and efficiency of health service delivery
We are excited to lead this change in diabetes and its complications and we warmly welcome you to explore our ACADI initiatives and projects within this website.
Professor Elif Ekinci
ACADI Director