The spirit of scientific discovery thrives on collaboration, and nowhere was this more evident than at the recent Brehm / Concordia Coalition meeting. Hosted by the U-M Brehm Center, the meeting convened researchers from two other renowned diabetes research institutions: the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center at Columbia University and the Barbara Davis Diabetes Center at the University of Colorado. Held October 5-7, the second annual meeting showcased a robust commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship and innovative approaches to tackling diabetes.
Scholars were invited to a team-building dinner, providing an informal setting to foster new connections and strengthen existing partnerships. Early-career researchers and established faculty alike shared perspectives, laying the interpersonal groundwork essential for successful scientific collaboration.
The bulk of the agenda was dedicated to research presentations by eleven scholars, each representing the cutting edge of diabetes investigation across the three institutions. The diversity of research presented underscored how interdisciplinary thinking fuels new avenues of discovery.
Mentorship was a central theme this year, with faculty offering guidance on career development and research leadership. A highlight was Dr. Chelsea Hepler’s session, where she candidly discussed the challenges and opportunities of becoming an independent principal investigator. Her insights into establishing a successful lab resonated deeply with early-career attendees, sparking dynamic conversations about leadership, resilience, and navigating the rapidly evolving research landscape.
The final day focused on exploring tangible opportunities for cross-institutional collaboration. Facilitated brainstorming and structured discussions led to the identification of several promising pilot project ideas that harness the complementary expertise of scholars from all three centers. Only one project will be awarded this year, after undergoing an extensive review process next month.
Brehm Center Director, Molly Dwyer-White, MPH, who attended the meeting, shared "The Brehm / Concordia Coalition is more than a meeting. It’s a testament to the legacy of the Brehm family and their deeply held belief that quality relationships are the cornerstone of transformative team science. By fostering strong, authentic collaborations among dedicated scholars, we not only advance discovery and innovation but also move closer to our shared goal of finding better treatments and ultimately a cure for diabetes. These connections are what empower us as a research community to ask bigger questions, pursue bold ideas, and make a lasting impact in the field by supporting the next generation."
For more information about the Brehm / Concordia Scholars Award and ongoing collaborative efforts, visit: U-M Researchers Receive Inaugural Brehm Concordia Scholars Award.
