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UWMDI Pilot and Feasibility Program

The UW Medicine Diabetes Institute Accelerator Fund provides one-year funding to support early and early mid-career investigators in advancing their research and securing external funding.

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The UWMDI International Diabetes Research Exchange Program

RFA open and Accepting Applications until October 5th, 2026!

Program Overview
The UWMDI International Diabetes Research Exchange Program supports early career faculty members and
trainees in pursuing short-term, high-impact visits to distinguished international partner institutions. This
program is designed to foster international collaboration, accelerate research innovation, and provide exposure
to cutting-edge clinical and translational diabetes research. Awardees will receive travel support to visit one of
the following international partner institutions: Steno Diabetes Center in Copenhagen, Korea University, or the
University of Poitiers, and engage with investigators, observe clinical programs, and explore opportunities for
ongoing collaboration. Awardees will be required to present research experience at UWMDI seminar and have
the opportunity to present their research to an international audience at partner institutions.

Eligibility

  • Applications are invited from early to mid-career faculty members, and trainees
  • Eligible Positions: Applicants must hold either a faculty or postdoctoral scholar appointment at the University
    of Washington. Early and mid-career faculty will be prioritized for funding, but all faculty ranks will be
    considered.
  • UWMDI Affiliation: Applicants must be a core member of UW Medicine Diabetes Institute.

Award Details

  • $5,000.00 to $10,000 travel funding to support a short-term visit to one of the three partner institutions
    (Steno Diabetes Center in Copenhagen, Korea University in Ansan, or the University of Poitiers in
    France) (between February 1st, 2027 and July 31st, 2027)
  • Funds may be used for airfare, lodging, and reasonable travel expenses in accordance with UW Travel
    Policy
  • Anticipated number of awards: 5-7

Program Goals

  • Establish new research collaborations with investigators at Steno Diabetes Center, Korea University, or
    the University of Poitiers
  • Advance an existing research project through access to partner institution expertise or resources
  • Lay the groundwork for future joint funding applications or publications
  • Provide opportunity to deliver research presentation to an international auden
UWMDI International Diabetes Research Exchange Program Request for Applications

Accelerator Fund for Early Career Faculty

Program Highlights

  • Funding: $30,000–$50,000
  • Duration: 1 year
  • Awards: 2–5 annually

What It Supports

  • Pilot projects to generate preliminary data
  • Bridge funding for essential research personnel
  • Laboratory equipment (shared resources prioritized)

Who Can Apply

  • UW faculty (Instructor–Associate Professor)
  • UWMDI-affiliated investigators
  • Early and early mid-career faculty

Goal

  • To accelerate research progress, support career development, and strengthen collaboration across UWMD

Next RFA expected Summer of 2027

 

Diabetes Research Center P&F Program
Nutrition Obesity Research Center P&F Program

Current UWMDI P&F Program Awardees

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Jarrad Scarlett, MD, PhD
Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
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Kalie Tommerdahl, MD
Associate Professor, Director, Clinical Research Safety, UW Medicine Diabetes Institute
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Ana Valencia, PhD
Ana Patricia Valencia, PhD
Research Assistant Professor, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition
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Previous UWMDI P&F Program Awardees

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Megan Capozzi, PhD
Research Assistant Professor, Metabolism Endocrinology and Nutrition
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Leticia Sewaybricker, MD, PhD
Research Assistant Professor, General Internal Medicine
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Mauricio Dorfman, PhD
Research Associate Professor, Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition
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Carlos Campos, PhD
Research Assistant Professor, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition
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Arthi Thirumalai, MD
Physician
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Lee Bockus, MD
Lee Bockus, MD
Acting Instructor, Medicine Fellow, General Cardiology
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Subbulaxmi Trikudanathan,
MD, MRCP, MMSc
Professor of Clinical Practice, Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, Medical Director, UW Medicine Diabetes Institute Clinic
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Savitha Subramanian, MD
Physician
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Jennifer Deem, PhD
Pfizer, Senior Manager, HTA Value & Evidence, Hematology
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Yi Hi, PhD

Program Leadership

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Laura den Hartigh, PhD
Research Associate Professor, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, UWMDI P&F Program Director
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