Barnstable Brown event to recognize excellence in diabetes and obesity research
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 24, 2022) — The 12th annual Barnstable Brown Diabetes and Obesity Research Day is taking place this week on the University of Kentucky (UK) campus. The purpose of the event is to focus on current findings in diabetes and obesity-related research.
There are more than four million people in the state of Kentucky. Approximately 15%, or 600,000 Kentuckians, have diabetes. Kentucky ranks fifth in the nation for the highest number of residents with the condition. As the state’s flagship university, UK is committed to addressing the devastating effects of diabetes and obesity to improve the health and well-being of those in the Commonwealth and beyond.
The research day program will feature presentations by nationally prominent physician-scientists, as well as regional researchers chosen from abstract submissions.
“The Barnstable Brown Diabetes and Obesity Research Day is an amazing opportunity to showcase the outstanding research conducted here at the University of Kentucky,” said Simon Fisher, M.D., Ph.D., acting director of the Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center. We have invited the nation’s thought leaders here to Kentucky to discuss the latest breakthroughs in diabetes and metabolism research. This annual event provides our scientists with a valuable opportunity to establish collaborations, practice their communication skills, receive feedback on their research and get inspired.”
The lineup of speakers for this year’s research day includes three invited guest speakers: Samuel Dagogo-Jack, M.D., division chief and professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology University of Tennessee Health Science Center; Kristen Nadeau, M.D., professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; and Joel Elmquist, D.V.M., Ph.D., professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Pharmacology, Psychiatry University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
In addition to the speakers visiting campus, those at research day will also hear from a few of UK’s own. Vice President of Research Lisa Cassis, Ph.D., will give introductory remarks followed by a Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center and research priority area update by Fisher. Attendees will also participate in live poster sessions highlighting the great work in research by our students, staff, fellows and faculty.
Following the day's presentations and other academic sessions, a reception and awards banquet will take place to recognize the outstanding science of the day. It will also serve as an opportunity to thank members of the Barnstable Brown family, who gave the founding donation to establish the center and remain avid fundraisers to support its work. Also at the reception, the Frederick and Maria de Beer Award for outstanding faculty will be presented.
Research day events are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 25. Events are taking place in the Healthy Kentucky Research Building and the Lee T. Todd Jr. Building.
About the University of Kentucky Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center
The University of Kentucky Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center at Turfland provides care for patients with diabetes and related disorders across the lifespan — from infants to seniors — at one consolidated location. The Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center at Turfland houses on-site access to pharmacy and supplies, ophthalmology and optometry services, laboratory testing, ultrasound and radiology. Services offered include consultation with expert diabetes specialists; coordination of care for diabetes complications screening and management; and comprehensive patient education plans.
In addition to providing excellent clinical care, the Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center is able to support lab-based, clinical and community research.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.
In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.