EGDRC Annual Report
2022-2023

Letter from Our Director


As we reflect on the past year at the Emory Global Diabetes Research Center (EGDRC), I am proud to share some of our most significant achievements and breakthroughs. Our dedicated team has made remarkable strides in diabetes research, particularly in understanding the genetic and environmental factors contributing to diabetes prevalence globally. Notably, our publication in Nature Medicine has shed new light on the role of novel biomarkers in early diabetes detection, offering promising avenues for prevention and personalized treatment. Additionally, our research on the socio-economic impacts of diabetes has garnered international attention, providing critical insights into how we can better support vulnerable populations.

Our success this year has been bolstered by the strength of our partnerships. Collaborations with leading institutions such as the World Health Organization, the National Institutes of Health, and universities across five continents have amplified our research impact. These partnerships have not only facilitated large-scale epidemiological studies but have also enabled the launch of community-based intervention programs in regions hardest hit by diabetes. Moreover, our work with private sector partners has accelerated the development of innovative diagnostic tools and therapeutics, bringing cutting-edge solutions from the lab to the clinic faster than ever before.

Looking ahead, the EGDRC is poised to continue its trajectory of excellence and innovation. Our strategic plan for the coming years includes expanding our research to cover emerging areas such as digital health technologies and artificial intelligence in diabetes management. We are also committed to enhancing our global outreach through capacity-building initiatives and training programs aimed at equipping the next generation of researchers and healthcare professionals. With unwavering dedication and the continued support of our partners, we are confident that EGDRC will remain at the forefront of diabetes research and care, driving progress towards a healthier future for all.

Sincerely,

K. M. Venkat Narayan, MD, MSC, MBA
Executive Director, Emory Global Diabetes Research Center
Ruth and O.C. Hubert Professor of Global Health and Epidemiology
Professor of Medicine and Endocrinology

Mission

Improving the lives of people and populations through interdisciplinary diabetes research.

Pillars

Public Health & Policy

Population health, health equity, & policy

We’re focused on improving health outcomes through science, equitable practices, & structured policy-making.

Digital Health & Technologies

Technology, big data, and artificial intelligence

Encompasses the integration of advanced digital technologies with personalized medicine approaches to enhance patient care, optimize treatment outcomes, & improve overall health management.

Applied Health Research

Translational & implementation sciences

Both fields aim to bridge the gap between research and practice, ensuring that scientific advancements lead to tangible health benefits.

Biomedical Sciences & Precision Medicine

Etiology, pathophysiology, basic sciences & Precision diabetes

Focused scientific investigation of the underlying mechanisms, causes, and functional changes associated with diseases.

Year in Review

The EGDRC community continues to grow nationally and globally with our domestic members joining from Emory University, Morehouse School of Medicine and Georgia Tech. EGDRC has also establish collaborations in 25 countries with longstanding partners such as Madras Diabetes Research Foundation and AIIMS New Delhi, India.

At A Glance

Publications

$M

In Diabetes Related Research Funding

%

Increase in Members (Total:192)

New Students and Fellows FY 2023

New Recruits with EGDRC
funding/co-funding FY 2022-2023

$K

Pilot Funding Awarded

News and Publications

Diabetes Translational Accelerator (DTA)


Shankar Subramonia

Established in December 2023 and inaugurated on April 11, 2024, the Diabetes Translational Accelerator (DTA) aims to enhance diabetes research and technological advancements. The DTA supports start-ups and commercialization by leveraging Emory’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and its partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology - Madras. It provides mentorship and resources to help students turn innovative ideas into practical solutions. Supported by the Lakshan Foundation Inc., the DTA offers the Lakshmi and Subramonian Shankar Fellowship, which provides stipends to Emory PhD students in the program. It also grants access to the Shankar Innovation Fund to promote the development and commercialization of research-derived products and technologies.

Professorships

  • Applebaum-Peabody Global Diabetes Professorship

  • Ruth and OC Hubert Chair of Global Health

  • William H. Foege Distinguished Professorship of Global Health

Scholarships (Doctoral)

  • Applebaum-Peabody Scholarship

  • Anupurna and SubraBhat Scholarship

  • Ravi and Nalini Saligram Scholarship

  • Hubert Global Health PhD Student Scholarship

2023 Faculty Promotions

Cultivating a Community of Talented Individuals: New Students & Fellows

“Strategic plans evolve with time and experience, As this happens and EGDRC's achievements grow, we plan on building the community of talented individuals engaged in diabetes and cardiometabolic health. Our goal is to challenge and improve the current paradigm of cardiometabolic health and well-being, and gain recognition both nationally and globally for our impact and legacy."

Mohammed K. Ali

Mohammed K. Ali, MD, MSc, co-director of EGDRC and William H. Foege Distinguished Professor of Global Health

Trusted Advisors

We Work With

Georgia Center for Diabetes Translation Resarch
Georgia Tech
Morehouse School of Medicine
Grady Hospital
University of Florida
University of Tennessee
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