Over the past two months, ADA leadership has had the opportunity to speak with many members of our professional community. In these conversations, a common theme continues to ring true: ADA is more than an organization. It is a community where careers have been built, collaborations have been formed, lifelong friendships have begun, and generations of scientists, clinicians, and advocates have come together around a shared purpose: curing diabetes and improving the lives of everyone affected by diabetes.
That is why the events surrounding the 86th Annual Scientific Sessions affected so many people, so deeply. And, because of this, ADA has taken and will continue to take meaningful steps to listen, to learn, and to continually assess and improve.
In this spirit, the ADA has already started to incorporate feedback into the work in the following ways:
Taking Accountability and Strengthening Scientific Sessions
Many members of the ADA community want to understand exactly what happened, what will change, and how similar situations will be prevented in the future. ADA CEO Chuck Henderson previously shared his personal apology for the events that occurred during Scientific Sessions. This commitment to improvement has not changed.
This healthcare community expects organizations to examine difficult issues honestly, follow the evidence, and improve based on what is learned. That is the approach ADA is taking.
Separate from ADA staff leadership, the ADA's board of directors charged the ADA's Audit and Governance Committee (AGC) to conduct a comprehensive review, which has been underway since mid-June. The review is intended to provide a thorough examination of the events of June 5 and identify meaningful opportunities to strengthen internal policies, decision-making processes, event protocols, and code of conduct. The committee’s goal is clear: to ensure that the ADA’s Scientific Sessions continue to be a place where rigorous science, respectful dialogue, and professional collaboration can thrive.
The AGC's review is ongoing, and the committee cannot share preliminary findings before the full review has been completed. Once complete, the board is committed to sharing their findings and will subsequently share actions being taken in response.
Creating More Opportunities for Discourse
One of the clearest messages delivered over the past several weeks is that the professional community wants more opportunities for meaningful dialogue with the ADA's leadership.
Over the coming months, there will be regular opportunities for scientists, clinicians, and other members of the community to share perspectives, raise concerns, and help shape the future of the ADA's work in research and at Scientific Sessions.
As part of that commitment, the ADA is establishing a scientific advisory council that will bring together leaders from across the diabetes research community to help identify emerging challenges, advise on opportunities to strengthen the research ecosystem, and inform the ADA's ongoing work.
The ADA will also convene a series of listening sessions designed to reflect the diverse perspectives and experiences across the professional community and provide a forum for open, constructive dialogue. For those interested in attending a listening session, filling out this form will register your interest.
ADA leadership is also evaluating additional ways to strengthen scientific engagement across the ADA, including how scientific expertise is represented in our leadership, governance, and committees.
ADA’s Commitment to Diabetes Research Remains Unwavering
While focused on learning from the past and strengthening the future, ADA’s work to advance diabetes research has never slowed.
In recent weeks, the ADA has joined partners across the research community to oppose proposed federal policy changes that could undermine the stability and integrity of federally funded research. The ADA advocacy team continues to work closely with the Congressional Diabetes Caucus and federal appropriators to advocate for sustained investment in diabetes research.
This September, members of our scientific and advocacy communities will travel to Washington, D.C., to meet directly with members of Congress and reinforce the importance of continued federal investment in diabetes and obesity research and prevention programs.
The ADA will continue to be a strong and persistent advocate for scientific discovery, both for researchers and for every person living with or at risk for diabetes.
Turing Feedback Into Action
Listening only matters if it leads to action.
Across the organization, work is underway to strengthen ADA’s long-term commitment to diabetes research. Leadership is exploring opportunities to increase the resources dedicated to research, develop new philanthropic initiatives that can accelerate scientific discovery, and identify ways to strengthen support for investigators and innovation.
These efforts reflect something that has never changed: advancing diabetes research remains at the heart of the ADA's mission and vision for the future.
The work ahead cannot be accomplished by the ADA alone. It depends on the partnership, expertise, and shared commitment of the scientists, clinicians, and healthcare professionals who dedicate themselves every day to advancing discovery and improving the lives of people living with diabetes.
