Join the Diabetes Wellness Network

Our ultimate goal to discover a cure for diabetes. We know that this is a long road, but we are intent on maximising the potential by funding the highest quality clinical and scientific research at the very best research institutions in the UK and around the world.

Every year we support diabetes research by issuing calls for applications for our Fellowships and Pump Priming Awards. Our support of Institutional and Collaborative awards enables us to commit to higher value, longer term funding in-line with our strategic priorities.

Our research is helping advance our understanding of diabetes and it's complications. Our support of Islet cell transplant and has made a life-changing difference for a small number of people living with type 1 diabetes.

Support our research - Donate here 

 

Two DRWF funded researchers

Our Research Strategy

We publish a research strategy which sets out the types of funding we offer; who is eligible to apply; the processes we have in place to monitor results and how this information will be disseminated to our beneficiaries and stakeholders.

Our Research Strategy
A medical researcher using a microscope.

Our Funded Research

Our annual funding round is designed to support bright young researchers, as well as established institutions, as they strive to make the kind of life-changing breakthrough our diabetes community is hoping for. 

Funded Research
A research microscope.

Islet Cell Transplant

DRWF has made a significant commitment to Islet Cell Research and Transplant both in the UK and around the world. In 2004, we made an unprecedented grant to the Nuffield Department of Surgery at the Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford for islet cell research.

Islet Cell Transplant
Professor Paul Johnson at his research lab.

Our Heroes

For World Diabetes Day 2022 we produced Our Heroes, a short documentary that highlights the success stories from DRWF-funded research.

Our Heroes
A graphic of a pancreas and a researcher.

Research Advisory Board

Our Research Advisory Board comprises experts in a wide variety of research disciplines to ensure that all applications are assessed knowledgably and fairly.

Research Advisory Board
AMRC Logo

Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC)

DRWF is a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC), a membership body representing the leading medical and health research charities.

Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC)
A researcher working in a laboratory

Our Position on the Use of Animals in Research

Read our position statement on the use of animals in DRWF funded research. We appreciate the concerns of the public and recognise that many may have questions about the use of animals in research work funded by DRWF.

Our Position On The Use Of Animals In Research
A group of petri dishes.

Our Position on Stem Cell Research

Read our position statement on stem cell research. Whilst stem cell research is still really in its infancy in many ways, there is much evidence to suggest that it could significantly speed up a discovery of a cure for diabetes.

Our Position On Stem Cell Research

For researchers

Our annual funding round is designed to support bright young researchers, as well as established institutions, as they strive to make the kind of life-changing breakthrough our diabetes community is hoping for. Calls for applications are announced twice yearly, Fellowships are awarded in June each year and Pump Priming in November. 

Full details of our application process can be found here.

Further questions should be directed to the research department by email at: research@drwf.org.uk

Our first research award was made in 1999 for a small equipment grant and since that time, we have committed more than £12 million to diabetes research in the UK and as part of the International Diabetes Wellness Network, around the world.

We exist almost entirely on voluntary income via individual donations, legacies, trusts and grants and so it is a wonderful testament to the continued commitment of our supporters, that we have been able to contribute to the better understanding of diabetes, improved treatments and management strategies, and enable work that moves ever closer to finding a cure.

Below, some of our research funding recipients give a little insight into how important research funding, such as our 3-year Fellowships and 1-year Pump Priming awards can make a huge difference to people living with all types of diabetes.

A group of DRWF funded researchers holding our research funding award.

20 Years of DRWF Funding

Why Diabetes Research is Important

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How We Can Help at DRWF

Events

Each year we run events for people living with diabetes, ranging from educational workshops and wellness events, to fundraising marathons and group skydives. To find out more about our events and how we support people living with diabetes, please visit our Events Page.

Research

Since 1998 we have provided over £12 million of funding for medical research programmes, with the aim of finding a cure for all types of diabetes. In 2004, we made a significant commitment to Islet Cell Research and Transplant, a programme which focuses on the role of islet cells in diabetes. Read more about our commitment to research by visiting our Research Page.

Fundraising

We rely on our amazing donors who raise the funds that help support people living with diabetes across the UK, as well as funding our vital research programmes. There are lots of ways to raise money to support people living with all forms of diabetes, there’s something for everyone! To discover more about fundraising with us, please visit our Fundraising Page.