IBRI Names Decio Eizirik Scientific Director of its IBRI Diabetes Center
April 15, 2020
INDIANAPOLIS, IND. – The Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI) is pleased to announce that it has named Investigator Decio Eizirik, MD, PhD, Scientific Director of its IBRI Diabetes Center (IDC). Eizirik will work together with Robert Considine, PhD, Administrative Director of the IDC, to ensure the center is performing as a top-level translational research organization bolstered by top-line talent.
To assure the continuing successful development of the Lilly Diabetes Center of Excellence (DCOE) within the IBRI Diabetes Center, Eizirik will focus on recruiting early career investigators, participating in the governance of the Lilly DCOE collaboration and defining its scientific direction. The Lilly DCOE is a collaboration with the Indiana University School of Medicine and Eli Lilly and Company. The scientists in the Lilly DCOE are pursuing cutting-edge research in diabetes, diabetic complications and related metabolic disorders.
“Many of the innovations in diabetes care have happened here in Indiana,” said Eizirik. “I am eager to grow this team as well as help develop the next generation of innovators in diabetes care. We have an excellent foundation through our research efforts in skeletal muscle and glucose intake, how the brain effects energy expenditure, and the relationship between beta cells and the immune system in triggering type 1 diabetes.”
Considine, in his role as Administrative Director of the IDC, will continue to supervise all IDC investigators, interface with the Indiana University (IU) supervisors of the PIs with IU appointments, and ensure investigators have exemplary mentoring committees. Additionally, Considine will lead recruitment for new IDC investigators, help coordinate the IDC move to the IBRI’s new home in Building 1 in the 16 Tech Innovation District, and work with Eizirik, as well as Jay McGill, COO, on the governance of the Lilly DCOE collaboration.
“Decio has been a tremendous addition to the IDC team,” said Considine. “I am grateful for his leadership as together we strengthen the collaborations with the IU School of Medicine Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Eli Lilly and Company’s diabetes research group and many of our other partners. These connections will help to develop strategies that will further advance the IBRI mission, recruit new investigators and make the necessary investment decisions required as the Lilly DCOE evolves.”
Chief Operating Officer Jay McGill explained that investigators in the IDC will continue to have autonomy and academic freedom leading their independent programs. “I look forward to continuing to work with Bob and Decio to achieve the vision of the IDC and the Lilly DCOE,” McGill stated.
About the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute
The Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI) is an independent, nonprofit discovery science and applied research institute currently targeting diabetes, metabolic disease, poor nutrition and related health data science. Inspired by Indiana’s leading life sciences companies, research universities and philanthropic community, the IBRI is building a world-class organization of researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs to catalyse scientific discovery and its applications, resulting in improved health outcomes for Indiana patients and beyond. For more information about the IBRI, visit https://www.indianabiosciences.org/.