The University of Kentucky Diabetes & Obesity Research Priority Area (RPA)

Our mission is to leverage, integrate and expand our campuswide strengths in basic, clinical and community-based research to address disparities in diabetes and obesity in the Commonwealth and beyond. Our vision is to maximize UK’s research strengths and efforts to reduce the burden of diabetes and obesity and improve overall health of our population. This initiative represents the institutional commitment to this critical area and is sponsored through the Office of the Vice President of Research.

UK COM Alliance Research Initiative

As a result of the success of the faculty, staff and learners, the UK College of Medicine has a strong reputation for research growth. That fact is clearly demonstrated in the twofold increase of National Institutes of Health (NIH) and overall funding in just three years.

But with this success, what are the next steps to continue this trajectory and positive impact on science?

In 2019, the College of Medicine released details about an initiative that will outline future efforts to expand its research footprint and mentor junior and other researchers working to obtain grant funding.

The Alliance Initiative capitalizes on collaboration and the transdisciplinary strategy built from the best practices and metrics across the nation in developing programmatic research. It is designed to provide seed funding and support for multidisciplinary teams of scientists, from colleges and centers across the university’s campus, to find answers to the health challenges that disproportionately affect Kentuckians.

Alliances Supported by the Diabetes & Obesity RPA

Alliance for Diabetes and Obesity Research (ADORE) led by Barbara Nikolajczyk, PhD; Simon Fisher, MD, PhD; and Philip A. Kern, MD

Leadership programs

Research Leadership Academy

The UK Research Leadership Academy (RLA), supported by the Office of the Vice President for Research, is a multicomponent program with three independent tracks that will accelerate the development of aspirational research leaders. The RLA is an immersive program focused on research leadership career development, complex programmatic grant proposals, and emerging themes in research and creative work.

Faculty Advancement Programs

These programs offer faculty development opportunities; foster recognition of faculty achievements in both scholarship and teaching; partner with units to recruit, retain and support a diverse faculty; and promote leadership development of faculty into academic positions.

Leadership Training Courses through UK HR

Leadership training courses can help guide UK employees through team management, decision-making and other important professional skills. Remember: Anyone can be a leader, even if they’re not in a supervisory position.

UK Center for Clinical and Translational Science

The UK Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) unites clinicians, researchers and communities to accelerate the translation of basic science discoveries to tangible improvements in health.

With support of a Clinical and Translational Science Award from the National Institutes of Health, the CCTS fosters innovative team science across multiple campuses and states. We provide infrastructure, funding and research support services to advance discoveries, and we train the upcoming generation of clinical and translational researchers.

External resources

American Diabetes Association (ADA)

Leading the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes for those affected by it through research funding, community services, education and advocacy.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

NIDDK research creates knowledge about and treatments for diseases that are among the most chronic, costly, and consequential for patients, their families and the nation.

NIH Health-Related News

A weekly update of research advances from the National Institutes of Health. Sign up for the NIH newsletter here.

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)

JDRF is a global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research.

American Heart Association (AHA)

Having diabetes means you are more likely to develop heart disease. People with diabetes are also more likely to have certain risk factors, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, that increase their chances of having a heart attack or a stroke.

The AHA’s mission is to help prevent, treat and defeat heart disease and stroke — America’s No. 1 and No. 5 killers. The AHA funds cutting-edge research, conducts lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocates to protect public health.

Alzheimer's Association 

Several research studies following large groups over many years suggest that adults with type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's. According to the one study's results, type 1 diabetics were 93% more likely to develop dementia.

The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

American Association for the Study of Liver Disease

AASLD Foundation is a charitable organization that invests in innovative hepatology research and in the people who study and treat liver disease.

The foundation firmly believes that tomorrow's cures for liver disease need funding today and is dedicated to leading the way.

American Physiological Society

APS is a global leader in expanding knowledge related to biological function. It connects thousands of scientists and educators, driving collaboration and spotlighting scientific discoveries in physiology and related disciplines.