Lund University Diabetes Centre

I was honoured to be invited to the annual LUDC (Lund University Diabetes Centre) annual retreat in Helsingborg, invited by my host Prof Philipp Kaldis. I enjoyed the presentations of a competitive and unique research programme focused on diabetes. I think this is one of the few examples in Europe of a centre focused on whole aspects of Diabetes, ranging from clinical research to cutting-edge basic research. An essential part of their success is their strategy of recruiting and developing their faculty, inspired by a research culture where strong laboratories support the development and consolidation of emerging laboratories. Also, the management structure benefits from an inclusive shared leadership coordinated by Prof Gomez and supported by four vice-coordinators that promote the development of emergent leadership. This is a place where access to competitive funding makes an excellent environment to do competitive research.