ACADI Secures $14.6 Million to Advance Diabetes Innovation

The Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations (ACADI) has received a $14.6 million reinvestment from the Australian Government through the Medical Research Future Fund, supporting a further four years of work to improve outcomes for people living with diabetes.

Pictured: Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) announcement at Flinders University, 22 May 2026. (L-R) Dr Mahesh Umapathysivam (ACADI investigator), Prof Elif Ekinci (ACADI Director), Hon Mark Butler MP, Dr Delphine Denoyer (ACADI Centre Manager).

Headquartered at the University of Melbourne, ACADI brings together more than 60 partners across research, healthcare, industry and the community to accelerate the translation of diabetes research into real-world solutions.

ACADI Director Professor Elif Ekinci from the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences said the funding marks a significant milestone for the Centre and the diabetes community.

“I’m delighted to share this reinvestment and what it means for ACADI and the diabetes community,” Professor Ekinci said.

“This is a win for the millions of Australians living with diabetes and its complications.”

The funding will enable ACADI to build on its momentum, expanding its focus on prevention, diagnosis and treatment, with a strong emphasis on equity and improving access to care for underserved communities.

The reinvestment builds on ACADI’s strong foundation of partnerships, including core support from Diabetes Victoria, and will support the continued growth and impact of the Centre. ACADI was first funded through the Medical Research Future Fund via MTPConnect in 2022, and this reinvestment reflects the strength of its progress and national impact to date.

“We sincerely thank our partners, researchers, collaborators and the people living with diabetes who have contributed to our work,” Professor Ekinci said. “This support is what makes progress possible.”

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Mark Cassidy AM welcomed the reinvestment, noting the importance of sustained support for collaborative research initiatives.

“Centres such as ACADI demonstrate how strong collaboration can translate world-class research into meaningful health outcomes,” Professor Cassidy said.

The reinvestment reflects a coordinated effort across the ACADI network and the University of Melbourne, supported by strong partnerships, strategic engagement and collaboration across the sector. Professor Ekinci acknowledged the contributions of the ACADI team, collaborators and advisory network in supporting the Centre’s continued growth and impact.

ACADI will use the funding to continue accelerating innovations from research into real-world outcomes, with the goal of improving the lives of people living with diabetes in Australia and globally.