Dr. Bjornstad is a physician-scientist and Executive Director of the UW Medicine Diabetes Institute, Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine, and the Raisbeck Endowed Chair of Diabetes Research at the University of Washington. His research program focuses on understanding mechanisms of diabetic kidney disease across the lifespan through innovative integration of tissue-based precision medicine, advanced imaging, and physiological assessments.

His career has been dedicated to transforming our approach to diabetic kidney disease through three interconnected themes: (1) pioneering research kidney biopsies to understand disease at molecular resolution, (2) developing novel imaging biomarkers to detect early metabolic perturbations, and (3) translating discoveries into mechanistic clinical trials. He has directed eight studies incorporating kidney biopsies (Renal-HEIR, Renal-HEIRitage, IMPROVE-T2D, ATTEMPT ancillary, RPC2, CROCODILE, PANDA), establishing a comprehensive early diabetic kidney tissue repository. His research has changed clinical practice by revealing the devastating burden of complications in youth-onset type 2 diabetes and identifying novel therapeutic targets through metabolic phenotyping. With over 200 peer-reviewed publications and sustained NIH funding (7 active R01/U01s), he maintains a robust research program supported by Breakthrough T1D and industry partnerships including a recent $5.2M Novo Nordisk agreement. Beyond research, he is deeply committed to education and service. As Associate Editor of JASN and Cardiovascular Diabetology, Planning Committee Chair for ADA Scientific Sessions, and organizing committee member for multiple NIH workshops, he helps shape the future of diabetes and nephrology research. His mentorship of over 40 trainees, many of whom have secured K-awards and transitioned to independent R-level funding, reflects his dedication to developing the next generation of physician-scientists.