DNZRF co-funds summer internships
Researchers exploring the impact of automated insulin delivery on eating behaviours, the outcomes of diabetes youth camps on young Kiwis, and studying intergenerational diabetes from the perspectives of Pacific aiga and Māori whānau, are among the recipients of this year’s Summer Internship grants.
The grants are co-funded by Diabetes New Zealand Research Foundation New Zealand (DNZRF) and the New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes (NZSSD). The purpose of the funding is to give promising early career researchers the opportunity to carry out research that helps make a difference to the lives of those with diabetes. The grants also help foster the future of the research community in Aotearoa.
The five award recipients were announced today, each receiving $6000 to carry out a 10-week research project with a focus on diabetes. The recipients are Emma Abraham (Christchurch), Arpita Bensall (Auckland), Josh Stoddard (Christchurch), Katryn Barnhill (Otago) and Brooke Williams (Wellington).
DNZRF Chairman Sir Ralph Norris says a key purpose of the Foundation is to support the research leaders of tomorrow, so New Zealand can continue to produce world-leading and ground-breaking research in the area of diabetes.
“Thanks to the support of our generous donors we’re able to get behind future research leaders and help them gain vital skills and meaningful experience for the jobs awaiting them,” says Sir Ralph.
The results of the research carried out by the five award recipients are set to be presented at NZSSD’s Annual Scientific Meeting in May.
NZSSD President Dr Rosemary Hall says with rates of diabetes in New Zealand rising and complexity of management increasing, research in this area is more important now than ever before.
“If we want to continue making life-changing discoveries and improve the lives of people with diabetes, it’s essential that we support researchers at all levels of their careers. Summer Internship students play an important role in advancing diabetes knowledge in Aotearoa and we are very pleased to be able to support them to do so,” says Dr Hall.
