Director's Message

Dr. Peter Senior

Researchers from the University of Alberta have played key roles in advancing the understanding of diabetes and its treatment - from the purification of insulin for use in the clinic one hundred years ago to successful transplantation of insulin producing cells (islets) from organ donors.

The Alberta Diabetes Institute (ADI) is a purpose built facility which enables researchers from diverse backgrounds and with different expertise to work together with the common goal of better understanding the complexity of diabetes in order to develop better approaches to prevention and treatment.

No stone will be left unturned. Our researchers want to know how to address the diabetes epidemic by studying populations, and work out why diabetes starts by studying single cells. New treatments and technologies are being developed and evaluated in our Clinical Research Unit. Partnership and collaborations both internal and external will be key to the success of our institute.

Addressing diabetes is a vital and urgent task. I am privileged to work with such a large group of talented and dedicated researchers all of whom are driven by a desire to transform outcomes for people and families affected by diabetes in Alberta and around the world.

Dr. Peter Senior

Director, Alberta Diabetes Institute
Dr. Charles A. Allard Chair in Diabetes Research

About The Dr. Charles A. Allard Chair in Diabetes Research

Established in 2006 by a generous gift from Peter A. Allard, the Dr. Charles A. Allard Chair in Diabetes Research supports the research of the Director of the Alberta Diabetes Institute at the University of Alberta. The Alberta Diabetes Institute is the largest stand-alone diabetes research institute in Canada.

As the Chair holder, Dr. Senior seeks to enhance the institute's impact by developing capacity in clinical and translational research to accelerate access to better treatments and care. His research and scholarship aims to improve outcomes for people with diabetes by training clinicians, developing clinical practice guidelines, and equipping persons with diabetes with tools for better self-management.

Dr. Charles Allard (1919-1991)

Dr. Charles A. Allard was one of Alberta's best examples of a physician who was successful inside and outside medicine. His career began as one of the first fellowship-trained surgeons in Canada, eventually serving as Chief of Staff at the Edmonton General Hospital for 12 years.

Dr. Allard's final legacy was the establishment of the Allard Foundation, which has provided significant financial assistance primarily focusing on the health sector, medical research, and education.

Find out more about the Allard Foundation.