Research & Grants

Research Policy Committee

The Research Policy Committee (RPC) is responsible for providing guidance to the ADA on the strategic direction of its research programs. This includes the development of new funding opportunities, evaluation of current grant mechanisms and research initiatives, and recommendations for program enhancements to increase impact. 

As one of the oldest committees in the ADA with the co-discoverer of insulin Dr. Charles H. Best serving as the first chair in 1952, the RPC has a long history of advancing breakthrough science and growing the next generation of diabetes researchers. In recent years, the committee has played a pivotal role in broadening the ADA’s focus to include the full continuum of experience for a person living with diabetes.

Research Policy Committee Members

Deborah J. Cohen, PhD Co-Chair
Oregon Health and Science University

Mary-Elizabeth Patti, MD Co-Chair
Harvard Medical School

Ananta  Addala, DO, MPH
Stanford University 

Shavon Artis Dickerson, DrPH, MPH
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Noel C. Barengo, MD, PhD, MPH
Florida International University

Jonathan E. Campbell, PhD
Duke Molecular Physiology Institute

Melanie Cree, PhD
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Elbert Huang, MD, MPH 
University of Chicago

Medha Munshi, MD
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Gretchen Piatt, MPH, PhD
University of Michigan Medical School

Michael R. Rickels, MD, MS
Perelman School of Medicine
University of Pennsylvania

Amy Shah, MD, MS, FNLA
Cincinnati Children's Hospital

Dhanajay Vaidya, MBBS, MPH, PhD
John Hopkins University School of Medicine

Hear from the Committee

“It has been a rewarding experience to serve on the Research Policy Committee for the American Diabetes Association. It has also been informative to see the wide scope of diabetes research funded by the ADA that expands well beyond my area of interest as a basic scientist. This reflects the diversity of our committee members, who come from all areas of diabetes care and research with the single goal of improving the lives of people living with diabetes.” 

Jonathan Campbell 
2026 RPC Member

Campbell headshot

More About ADA's Research

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Committed to Diabetes Research

Research is the cornerstone of advancing the American Diabetes Association’s mission to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. 

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Current Funding Opportunities

The American Diabetes Association remains committed to providing critical funding to support innovative scientific discovery that translates to better treatment, healthier lives, and eventual cures. 

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Pathway to Stop Diabetes®

The program seeks to identify a new generation of innovative scientists, and researchers and provide the financial support and professional mentorship they need to advance their diabetes research.

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Research at the Scientific Sessions

The world’s largest diabetes meeting, where leading physicians, scientists, researchers, and health care professionals come to learn about the latest findings in diabetes research, and prevention.

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