Diabetes NZ and Healthier Lives join forces

Diabetes NZ Inc and the Healthier Lives National Science Challenge have signed a Statement of Collaboration. They aim to work together to raise the profile of diabetes research and issues in New Zealand, and to ensure that Challenge research is relevant to people with diabetes.

The agreement was signed in Dunedin by Deb Connor (President of Diabetes NZ) and Professor Jim Mann (Healthier Lives Director).

“We welcome the statement of collaboration and look forward to working more closely with Diabetes NZ to make the most of our diabetes research for all New Zealanders,” Professor Jim Mann said.

This agreement will help exchange knowledge effectively and translate the research outcomes of the Healthier Lives diabetes-related work into the community.

Shared goals strengthen collaboration

“In many ways we have a similar brief when it comes to diabetes. Both organisations are working towards achieving healthier lifestyles, identifying more appropriate ways of implementing existing knowledge regarding prevention and treatment of diabetes, and supporting research aimed at novel approaches,” said Professor Mann.

“We look forward to working with Healthier Lives and finding out more about the world class research and how it can make a difference for New Zealand’s unique communities,” Deb Connor said.

“We will work together on promotional activities, such as jointly organised seminars, events, articles, social media and other activities,” she said.

Diabetes research supported

“We are starting to do more and more research relevant to diabetes across the Challenge. Our collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Health Research Council of NZ (HRC) has enabled the development of a partnership to support research relating to long term conditions which has this year funded four major diabetes related research projects,” said Professor Mann.

“Diabetes NZ is one of our key stakeholders with whom we will be working closely over the next few years,” said Professor Mann.

“This is the first of a number of such agreements we hope to sign with our pivotal stakeholders. I am delighted it is with Diabetes NZ.”