Looking for an opportunity to learn about the latest advancements and progress in diabetes research straight from the experts? Look no further than Cocktails and Conversations! Hosted by the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, this series of regional dinners takes DRI researchers on the road to share their knowledge and insights with local communities.
In the latest round of events, attendees had the chance to meet and learn from some of the brightest minds in the field. Dr. Kenyon visited Palm Beach to discuss exciting breakthroughs in diabetes research, while Dr. von Herrath visited Long Island to share his expertise. Meanwhile, Dr. Bayer joined us in Chicago to talk about the latest developments in the fight against this debilitating disease.
Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this exciting series of events! Check out the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation’s website for more information about upcoming Cocktails and Conversations dinners near you.
Palm Beach, FL
The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation held Cocktails and Conversation at the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach in March. Over 75 guests were in attendance and heard from Dr. Norma Kenyon, Martin Kleiman Professor of Surgery, Microbiology and Immunology and Biomedical Engineering at the Diabetes Research Institute, and Vice Provost for Innovation at the University of Miami and Chief Innovation Officer of the UM Miller School of Medicine. Dr. Kenyon spoke on the diabetes cure-research she is conducting, along with the research of her colleagues at the Institute. Attendees were provided the opportunity to ask questions of Dr. Kenyon following her presentation.
Chicago, IL
On March 16th, the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation hosted a successful Cocktails and Conversation event at the Metropolitan Club located in the iconic Willis Tower in Chicago. Over 30 guests were in attendance to hear from Dr. Allison Bayer, a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Diabetes Research Institute of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Dr. Bayer shared the latest advancements in diabetes research, with a focus on the basic immunobiology of regulatory T cells and how this knowledge can be applied for future clinical translational applications by the DRI. The evening’s Emcee, Senior Vice President of the DRIF, Tom Karlya, provided an overview of the DRI and Foundation, and shared his personal experience as a father of two children with diabetes. Following Dr. Bayer’s presentation, attendees had the opportunity to ask her questions. The event ended with Brendon Steenbergen, the Midwest Regional Development Officer, extending an invitation to the Chicago diabetes community to visit the DRI labs in Miami and meet with Dr. Bayer’s fellow researchers.
Long Island, NY
On March 30th, the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation hosted an intimate fireside chat at the beautiful Meadow Brook Club in Jericho, NY with the new Scientific Director, Dr. Matthias von Herrath. The evening was hosted by John Doscas of the DRIF National Board and provided attendees with an opportunity to learn about the exciting next chapter of the DRI under Dr. von Herrath’s leadership. Dr. von Herrath, a world-renowned diabetes researcher, spoke about his approach to innovative research at the DRI, imbuing a feeling of optimism and hope in attendees.
John Carrion, Chair of the Northeast Chapter of the DRIF, shared his excitement for the future of the DRI, stating that “the feedback and excitement from the attendees is something I haven’t felt at the DRI in quite some time…we have the right leader and the perfect team to help us make the next leap in finding a cure for type one diabetes.”
Dr. von Herrath himself described the evening as “fantastic,” highlighting the positive energy and excitement in the room and noting that “things are finally coming together.” He emphasized the importance of a two-way dialogue and acknowledged the tough issues on patients’ and parents’ minds.
Overall, the Cocktails and Conversations event in Jericho was a success, providing an opportunity for guests to learn about the future of the DRI and engage in a dialogue with Dr. von Herrath. As he noted, better immune therapies will be at the forefront of efforts to find a cure for type one diabetes.
