The Engineering Center for Diabetes Research and Education’s (ECDRE) mission is to promote and engage in engineering and scientific research and education for the development of novel technologies for the treatment and cure of diabetes and its complications. By developing new knowledge, techniques, and tools, and by collaborating with clinicians and investigators in basic sciences and medicine, ECDRE will improve the technologies and procedures available for treating people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The center will also develop educational and training tools for people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and obesity.
The tasks of the center include:
- Organization and coordination of research and education activities that focus on various aspects of diabetes and its complications
- Organization of outreach activities to establish partnerships with schools of medicine, pharmacy and nursing, national laboratories, hospitals, diabetes educator's associations, community organizations, and industry for research and education, and with community colleges and high schools for broadening participation in STEM areas
- Promotion of Illinois Tech's research capabilities in this area
- Development of robust externally funded research, education, and outreach programs on the treatment and cure of diabetes and its complications
The center will address pertinent national and international needs for developing new paradigms and methods for addressing the challenges posed by an alarming increase in obesity and diabetes.