Raghu Mirmira, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine (Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism) and Vice Chair for Translational Research, has been named as the recipient of the 2023 Albert Renold Award by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the training and mentorship of diabetes research scientists and in the development of communities of scientists to enhance diabetes research.
Dr. Mirmira is an international thought leader in the field of diabetes whose work is focused on Type 1 diabetes research—specifically on the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and the biology of islet cells. Among his many achievements, Dr. Mirmira’s research has led to the discovery and characterization of fast-acting insulin analogues, which are widely used by patients with diabetes today; more recently, his work has begun to dramatically reshape our understanding of the immune pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes. His research has been continuously funded by NIH since 1999 where he currently serves as PI on three NIH R series and a NIH U01. Dr. Mirmira, along with Dr. Graeme Bell, will serve as PI on the successful renewal of the Diabetes Research Training Center beginning 4/1/2023. He is also the lead program director of the T32 training program in adult integrated clinical and basic endocrinology research.
Dr. Mirmira joined our faculty in 2019 and was concurrently appointed as the Director of the newly created Translational Research Center. In 2020 he was appointed as Associate Vice Chair for Translational Research, and Vice Chair for Translational Research in 2021. As the recipient of the Albert Renold Award, Dr. Mirmira is being recognized for his “contributions as a dedicated researcher, clinician, teacher, and administrator”.
Given in the memory of Dr. Albert Renold, a Swiss physician and clinical biochemist noted for his extensive research on diabetes, the Renold Award aims to recognize an individual who has a career distinguished by outstanding achievements in mentorship and/or creation of a robust environment for diabetes research. This award is one of several of the ADA’s National Scientific and Health Care Achievement Awards that honors academics, health care providers, and educators who have contributed to substantial advances in the field of diabetes care and research. Prior winners from the Department of Medicine include Dr. Donald Steiner who received the award in 2007. Dr. Mirmira will accept his award at the ADA’s 83rd Scientific Sessions, the world’s largest scientific meeting focused on diabetes research, prevention, and care, in June 2023.