- Since the CEO of the American Diabetes Association® (ADA), Charles “Chuck” Henderson, issued an apology—taking responsibility for missteps at the 2026 Scientific Sessions and personally apologizing to the five scientists by name—the ADA Executive team and Board of Directors have begun a comprehensive assessment of our practices, processes, and organizational approach to better understand what happened and identify meaningful opportunities for improvement.
- While this process is underway, ADA leadership and staff remain focused on the ADA’s mission and the community of over 155 million people living with diabetes or prediabetes who rely on the research, expertise, and advocacy of this vital organization.
- Recent actions and updates to share include:
- The ADA continues to advocate for robust funding for diabetes research, while responding to federal threats that jeopardize funding. In recent weeks, the ADA collaborated with others in the science and diabetes community to drive opposition to a proposed Office of Management and Budget rule that revises the guidelines for federal financial assistance and risks undermining the stability, predictability, and integrity of the federal research enterprise. The ADA helped drive comments on the proposed rule, which now exceeds 93,000 from the community at large.
- The ADA’s Advocacy team is leading efforts with members of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus and federal appropriators to ensure that government funding for diabetes research is commensurate with the growing burden of the disease.
- In addition, our Advocacy team is planning a fly-in to Washington, DC, in September, where members of our scientific and advocacy communities will meet with members of the House and Senate to discuss the importance of sustained National Institutes of Health research funding and continued federal investment in diabetes and obesity research. We believe this will be an important opportunity to unite around an issue that benefits the entire scientific community.
- In addition, our Advocacy team is planning a fly-in to Washington, DC, in September, where members of our scientific and advocacy communities will meet with members of the House and Senate to discuss the importance of sustained National Institutes of Health research funding and continued federal investment in diabetes and obesity research. We believe this will be an important opportunity to unite around an issue that benefits the entire scientific community.
- A comprehensive, arms-length review of the June 5 incident at the Scientific Sessions is currently underway. We are working to establish a clear understanding of events of June 5, identify opportunities for improvement, and help strengthen processes moving forward. Findings of the review and remediation efforts will be shared with the ADA community.
- We are driving a more active dialogue with our scientific community. We are launching a Scientific Advisory Council that will bring together scientists, clinicians, and other stakeholders to identify the challenges facing diabetes research and opportunities to strengthen an already robust research ecosystem.
- The council will create listening sessions that will reflect the diverse perspectives and experiences across our professional community and serve as a forum for open and constructive dialogue.
- The ADA continues to advocate for robust funding for diabetes research, while responding to federal threats that jeopardize funding. In recent weeks, the ADA collaborated with others in the science and diabetes community to drive opposition to a proposed Office of Management and Budget rule that revises the guidelines for federal financial assistance and risks undermining the stability, predictability, and integrity of the federal research enterprise. The ADA helped drive comments on the proposed rule, which now exceeds 93,000 from the community at large.
- The ADA is moving forward with urgency, while also ensuring that these efforts are well-considered and intentional, to drive meaningful outcomes. At the same time, we remain laser focused on our mission and the work we do every day to advance diabetes research, improve care, and support the communities we serve.
