Laboratory head
Research projects, Student research and Clinical trials
Meet the team
Research staff
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Students
Affiliates, collaborators and visiting researchers
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Support staff
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About us
The Diabetes and Vascular Medicine laboratory is focused on predicting and preventing complications of type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and advancing the use of technology in healthcare.
Our multidisciplinary team relocated to the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute in 2023, bringing a wealth of experience from 10 years at the University of Sydney and 12 years at the University of Melbourne. With and for people living with or at risk of diabetes or cardiovascular disease, we undertake clinical (people-based) research and laboratory-based studies. We're supported by an extensive, valued network of national and international collaborators.
Research with and for patients
Everything we do is grounded in partnership with people living with these conditions. Our approach combines rigorous clinical trials with laboratory investigation, ensuring our discoveries translate into practical benefits for patients.
Research capabilities
The Institute’s Biomarker Discovery laboratory offers a wide range of clinical, biochemical and molecular tools that we apply to our own research studies. These resources are also available for other researchers to use and learn from, fostering collaboration and building capacity across the research community.
Current research programs
Clinical trials
We're conducting several important clinical trials:
- FAME-1 Eye trial: testing whether a once-daily fenofibrate tablet can protect the eyes of adults with type 1 diabetes and early to moderate diabetic retinopathy (eye damage).
- FAME-2 Kidney trial: testing whether a once-daily fenofibrate tablet can protect the kidneys of adults with type 2 diabetes and moderate kidney damage.
- Insulin pump and glucose sensor trials: a series of studies examining technologies that help people manage their diabetes more effectively.
Collaborative cohort studies
We participate in major international type 1 diabetes research collaborations, including DCCT/EDIC, FinnDiane, and the Hong Kong Diabetes Registry, contributing to global understanding of diabetes progression and complications.
Biomarker research
We're investigating biomarkers that may predict health outcomes or response to treatment across multiple trials and cohorts, including completed landmark studies such as the FIELD trial (fenofibrate in type 2 diabetes) and the REMOVAL trial (adjunct metformin in adults with type 1 diabetes).
Training the next generation
Building and learning from the next generation of biomedical researchers is central to our mission. Our team includes clinical and science trainees from undergraduate through to postgraduate level, ensuring the future of diabetes and cardiovascular research remains strong.
Community engagement and leadership
Laboratory members serve the profession and community through:
- Membership of grant review panels and advisory boards.
- Conference organisation and leadership.
- Editorial roles for scientific journals.
- Guideline development groups.
- Advocacy groups.
- Fundraising for the care of disadvantaged groups.
- Lectures to GPs and Allied Health Care Professionals.
- Lectures for the public and service clubs.
- Honorary roles with humanitarian organisations.
