Prestigious course for international scientists takes place in Leicester

Leicester Diabetes Centre (LDC) is proud to host the prestigious European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Scientist Training Course from 27 to 30 October 2024. The course aims to promote new talents in diabetes research and foster diabetes research in centres worldwide. This year the course will be delivered by LDC’s team of world-class experts who are leading cutting-edge advancements in diabetes research, education, and care.

Founded in 2012, LDC is now the largest clinical diabetes research hub in the UK and has a world-renowned reputation in empirical research and experimental medicine clinical trials, as well as the development, testing and real-world implementation of education and training for both healthcare professionals and people with or at risk of long-term health conditions. LDC is one of three International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Centres of Excellence in Europe.

Course participants will delve into a wide range of topics in diabetes research and treatment, providing exposure to the latest developments in the field, including:

  • Muscle physiology, sarcopenia, imaging, and exercise testing: Examining the role of muscle health and exercise in diabetes care.

  • Lifestyle medicine, measurement, and application: Focusing on how physical behaviours and nutrition can help to prevent and manage diabetes.

  • Study design and data: Understanding clinical trial design and data management.

  • Obesity and early onset type 2 diabetes: Discussing early onset type 2 diabetes and the latest therapeutic approaches for managing obesity and multiple chronic conditions.

  • Pregnancy and diabetes: Investigating diabetes in pregnancy research, including outcomes, technology, gestational diabetes, and the challenges in research design for pregnancy.

  • Technology and diabetes: Exploring the role of digital health tools, including wearable devices and data analytics, in diabetes management.

  • Multiple long-term conditions and diversity: Understanding the disparities in health and the importance of inclusive research.

  • Real world evidence and epidemiology: The role of big data sets to frame research questions.

  • Leadership and coaching: Developing and exploring leadership skills and styles.

Participants will also have the unique opportunity to visit LDC’s state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, where they can observe first-hand the innovative work being conducted. Additionally, the “Meet the Researchers” session will allow attendees to engage with LDC’s leading scientists.

Professor Melanie Davies, Co-Director of LDC, explains: “Hosting the 30th EASD Scientist Training Course is an honour and testament to our deep commitment to advancing knowledge and expertise in diabetes care.

“We look forward to welcoming participants from all over the world to Leicester for this transformative event.”

Based at Leicester General Hospital, LDC is a unique collaboration between the University of Leicester and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.

Rosalind Moore