DRIFocus DRI Era of Evolution

“I want to make a real difference in human health, and I think we can do that at the DRI,” said Dr. von Herrath. In his view, the DRI is uniquely positioned to push boundaries and drive innovation across disciplines. “Nowhere else have I seen so much willingness to collaborate,” he said. “We have immunologists, stem cell biologists, surgeons, engineers, and epidemiologists, all working together on the same question — that’s how progress gets made.”

Out of ongoing talks with this interdisciplinary team, a new vision for the DRI has emerged. “We’ve established a tremendous foundation of research in the last few decades,” said Dr. von Herrath, “but the problems we’re trying to solve have evolved, so our strategy will as well.”

The new strategy is aptly named “EVOLVE,” which stands for “Excitement, Vision, Outperformance, Leaps across boundaries, Veritas and Endurance.” The plan will continue to support the DRI’s three principal research avenues —

An era of evolution is on its way for the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), led by its new scientific director, Dr. Matthias von Herrath. He joins the team with over 25 years of diabetes research experience, but it’s his medical training that keeps him especially focused on the Institute’s end goal.

Site, Sustain, and Supply — but establishes a particularly comprehensive approach to the second, where some of the biggest remaining questions lie (see the DRIF Research Update on page 4 for more information). Other initiatives are designed to expand clinical trials and drug development.

Dr. von Herrath’s plan will also strengthen mentoring programs, corporate collaborations, and communication within the Institute. These efforts, he hopes, will help retain the DRI’s top talent, strengthen partnerships with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, and keep stakeholders up to date on the Institute’s latest advances.

“We know why we’re so special, but we want to make that even clearer to our partners, patients and donors,” said Dr. von Herrath. “With this team of all-stars and our updated vision, I think we can make a huge difference in the field.”