About DORI

OUR MISSION

The USC Diabetes & Obesity Research Institute fosters cutting-edge basic, clinical, and public health research to bring advances in novel discoveries in the laboratory to real-world strategies for obesity and diabetes prevention and treatment at individual, community, national, and global levels.

Mission Statement and Vision

From left to right: Kathleen Page, M.D., Scott Kanoski, Ph.D. & Thomas A. Buchanan, M.D.

The mission is to revolutionize diabetes and obesity research through the integration of multi- disciplinary, clinically relevant research, active community engagement, precision-based approaches, and exceptional education of trainees who will continue to accelerate diabetes research at USC for generations to come.

This vision is to transform diabetes and obesity research by utilizing prevention, prediction, and precision- based approaches to mitigate diabetes, obesity, and their complications at all stages of life. With a focus on diabetes and obesity research across the lifespan, the Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute is poised to make a significant impact in the lives of people affected by diabetes and obesity, with a commitment to reducing the burden of metabolic disorders throughout life and across generations.

A commitment to this vision is grounded in the belief that a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach is essential for addressing the challenges of diabetes and obesity throughout the lifespan. Enhancing partnerships across the USC system and beyond will advance the development of new technologies, therapies, and prevention strategies that will improve the quality of life for those affected by diabetes and obesity at any age.

Guided by four strategic goals, we aim to advance scientific discovery in the field of obesity and diabetes.

1. Create an environment that fosters discourse and education

Host a monthly seminar series and yearly symposium with leaders in the fields of obesity and diabetes

Support of the Summer Program in Diabetes and Obesity Research (SPIDOR) to provide underrepresented students the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research in the laboratories of DORI investigators

2. Support and build interdisciplinary research teams and discoveries

Incentivize cross-disciplinary collaborations and partnerships across schools and departments within USC and across universities throughout the world

Sponsor an innovative, annual pilot research funding program

3. Provide core infrastructure and shared resources

Facilitate basic and applied research relevant to the prevention and treatment of diabetes and obesity

Leverage collaborative workspaces across departments

Build and expand collective core research facilities, including the DORI Clinical Services Core, DORI Metabolic Assay Core, and Saban Rodent Metabolic Core

4. Expand our ability to examine and prevent obesity and diabetes

Translate knowledge into practice

Recruit top-tier faculty

Fundraise to support on-going and pilot studies to advance new discoveries in diabetes and obesity research