The 2025 Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge Symposium highlighted the incredible progress and impact, as Steve Morgan laid down the challenge for the next chapter.
Nearly 200 delegates from nine countries came together at this year’s Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge Symposium for updates on the world-leading science and research funded by the Steve Morgan Foundation, in partnership with Diabetes UK and Breakthrough T1D.
Turning discovery into impact, with lived experience at the heart
Throughout the Symposium, delegates heard about the latest research exploring new immunotherapy regimens, beta cell replacement and regeneration techniques, and innovative strategies to protect and support transplanted beta cells.
Further and faster
Speaking at the Symposium Dinner, Steve Morgan committed more funding to chapter two of the Grand Challenge, noting that there is “still much more to be done”.
He urged the community “to go even further and faster” in breaking new ground to find treatments and a cure for type 1 diabetes.
Other speakers included ‘experts by experience’ – adults living with type 1, parents of children with the condition, and members of the Grand Challenge’s public and patient involvement (PPI) groups. These insights are fundamental to the science and put people affected by type 1 at the heart of every decision.
The event also celebrated the exceptional scientists funded through the Grand Challenge, with a series of awards presented by Steve and Sally Morgan.
Speaking at the close of the symposium, Liam Eaglestone, CEO of the Steve Morgan Foundation highlighted how the Grand Challenge was founded on the belief that collaboration is essential to rapid progress:
“We’ve created a community that is making a difference. What was a risky hope three and a half years ago is starting to deliver. This will only happen if we continue to bring all the different partnerships and expertise together to achieve something remarkable.”
More information
The Grand Challenge Symposium was held at the Royal College of Surgeons on the 4th and 5th December 2025. Read the full report on the Grand Challenge website here.
