In her address, Federal Minister Karliczek emphasized the growing need need for better treatment options for the rising global diabetes epidemic. Karliczek highlighted Germany's high level of commitment to promoting scientific excellence. (Link to address)

During his welcoming note Matthias Tschöp, CEO of Helmholtz Zentrum München, underlined the importance of interdisciplinary research and how, when done methodically, it makes breakthroughs towards a healthier society possible. “Particularly in biomedical research we have experienced that the creation of hubs which integrate biology, medicine, engineering and data science accelerates the translation into tangible medical solutions,” said Tschöp.

“Our vision is ambitious but also within our grasp: to prevent type 1 diabetes and making type 2 diabetes a more livable condition, said Stephan Herzig, Director of the Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Head of the DZD Academy Complications and organizer of the Helmholtz Diabetes Conference. The focus of this year's diabetes conference is on genetic and epigenetic mechanisms involved in the development of diabetes.

The DZD is a cooperation partner of the Helmholtz Diabetes Conference and is sponsoring this year's Helmholtz Diabetes Lecture given by the renowned diabetes researcher Susan Bonner-Weir (Harvard University).