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Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Center for Diabetes and Metabolism

Translation and Implementation (NUCADRe)

The Northwestern University Center for the Advancement of Diabetes Translational Research (NUCADRe) brings together Northwestern’s unique strengths and increasing opportunities for diabetes translational research. Our research programs are nationally recognized in existing areas, such as:

  • Community and clinical translation and effectiveness studies involving evidence-based interventions to prevent or manage diabetes
  • Research uncovering differences in individual outcomes and mechanisms explaining them
  • Large-scale natural experiments in diabetes

The mission of NUCADRe is to leverage the full potential of research to improve diabetes prevention, care, and population health and health equity in Chicago and for the nation.

Goals

We look to amplify the productivity, scale, and impact of Diabetes Translational Research (DTR), as well as develop and provide methodologic expertise and resources that advance the science of DTR locally and nationally.

Research Themes

NUCADRe aims to meet the need for a centralized entity for advancing DTR at Northwestern. Our center cores will catalyze growth in the five following interactive research themes by offering resources and services.

  1. Balancing local implementation and scalability in DTR
  2. Pragmatic trials and clinical-community linkages
  3. Multi-sector interventions and natural experiments
  4. Technological solutions for supporting provider and patient behaviors
  5. Patient-centered outcomes research

Structure

NUCADRe provides support for diabetes translation research via three support cores, a robust Pilot and Feasibility Program, and the Enrichment Program.

Pilot and Feasibility Program

NUCADRe administers and promotes an exciting Pilot & Feasibility Grant program to provide seed support for two large awards per year (typically up to $22,500 each) for new and innovative diabetes translational research and two community mini-grants (up to $5,000 each) to enhance community engagement and dissemination of diabetes translational research. P&F awards will provide support for investigators to collect preliminary data sufficient to support a grant application for independent research support and/or to test a novel hypothesis.

Program Director: Namratha Kandula, MD, MPH

Enrichment Program

NUCADRe’s Enrichment Program is designed to increase awareness, knowledge, and skills needed for strong and collaborative diabetes translational research. Enrichment activities include new activities designed by NUCADRe, such as monthly seminar series and an annual Diabetes Day event, as well as enhanced linkages to existing NU training and educational programs, including mentorship programs.

Program Director: Joseph M. Feinglass, PhD

Center Leadership

Ronald T Ackermann, MD/MPH

Center Director:
Ronald T. Ackermann, MD, MPH
Director of Northwestern University Center for the Advancement of Diabetes Translational Research (NUCADRe) and Center for Community Health
Professor in Medicine-General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics and Medical Social Sciences
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Associate Center Director:
Namratha Kandula, MD, MPH
Associate Professor in Medicine-General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics

Contact Us

For more information regarding the Northwestern University Center for the Advancement of Diabetes Translational Research (NUCADRe), please contact Maggie Moran, MPH, Center Manager, at 312-503-3323.