Baker ID Heart & Diabetes Institute
Josephine researches diabetes and its complications, which are set to become the major health epidemic of this century. More than 1.5 million Australians are affected and approximately half of these will develop complications including blindness, kidney disease and heart attacks. Her research focuses on a sticky caramelisation process which occurs in our bodies during natural ageing but is accelerated in diabetes.
Unique therapeutics are desperately needed since current therapies only slow the progression of diabetic kidney disease which is also the major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. Josephine has already discovered one such target which is currently undergoing clinical trials. In recognition of her international reputation, she is this year’s recipient of the Commonwealth Health Minister’s Award for excellence in medical research.