Congratulations to Associate Professor Ryu Takechi (Curtin MRI & Curtin Population Health) and his esteemed colleagues, Dr Virginie Lam (Curtin MRI & Curtin Population Health) , Professor Gerald Watts (University of Western Australia), Dr Tim Rosenow (University of Western Australia), and Professor John Mamo (Curtin MRI & Curtin Population Health) , on their successful grant application titled “Maintaining Healthy Brain in Diabetes Patients: Novel insights through ApoE4 genotype.” Their project has been selected for the 2026 Diabetes Australia Research Program Grants, supported by a two-million-dollar investment from the Diabetes Australia Research Trust. In total, nineteen pioneering projects will be funded across fundamental, clinical, health systems and public health research, alongside two National Health and Medical Research Council partnered postgraduate scholarships.

This year’s program places strong emphasis on research that reflects lived experience and delivers measurable improvements in quality of life. Guided by the Diabetes Australia 2025 to 2030 Research Strategy, funded projects prioritise collaboration with people living with and at risk of diabetes, ensuring that research is co-designed, community-informed, and focused on meaningful outcomes. The awarded projects span transformative areas, including artificial intelligence-driven innovation, the reduction of diabetes-related complications, culturally informed models of care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and novel strategies to preserve and restore beta cell function.

Associate Professor Takechi and his colleagues’ work on brain health in diabetes represents an important contribution to this national effort. By advancing understanding of the ApoE4 genotype and its implications for maintaining cognitive health in people with diabetes, the team’s research has the potential to shape future prevention and treatment strategies. This achievement reflects the strength, vision and collaborative excellence of the research team. Their success not only advances scientific knowledge but also supports Diabetes Australia’s commitment to improving outcomes and lived experiences for individuals, families and communities affected by diabetes.