Diabetes, along with its spectrum of related and comorbid diseases, represents one of the most prevalent and devastating health problems in Michigan, across the US, and worldwide. The University of Michigan (UM) possesses an array of resources (including strong clinicians, world-leading basic research, and a small but strong clinical research footprint) with which to address the challenges posed by diabetes and related disorders. Addressing these challenges requires planning and coordination among the many existing UM diabetes-related programs, however. The Caswell Diabetes Institute serves to coordinate among and support the various diabetes-related programs across Michigan Medicine.
Developing and supporting infrastructure and otherwise facilitating clinical research related to diabetes represents a major focus for the Caswell Diabetes Institute, along with its partner centers: the Michigan Diabetes Research Center (MDRC), the Michigan Center for Diabetes Translational Research (MCDTR), and the Michigan Nutrition and Obesity Research Center (MNORC). The Caswell Diabetes Institute Clinical/Translational Research Scholars Program seeks to identify and support the most promising early-stage scholars focused on clinical research relevant to diabetes. The Caswell Diabetes Institute Clinical/Translational Research Scholars Program will provide up to 50% salary support for up to 3 years, protecting this time from clinical care duties to allow successful clinical research scholarly activities. The Caswell Diabetes Institute Clinical Research Scholars Program will also provide strong mentoring regarding research and career advancement.