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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Last week, our Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge researchers had a blast at the King’s Diabetes Research Group Summer Away Day! ☀️🏸 This was a wonderful opportunity for the team to unwind and relax after a busy summer of research. 🌻✨

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

🔬 Researcher Spotlight of the Week: Meet Ryea Arora! Ryea graduated from King’s with a First class MSci in Pharmacology. Ryea works both in vitro and in vivo to help improve the function and survival of stem cell-derived islets. Outside of the lab, you can find Ryea travelling, reading or baking!

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

🔬 Researcher Spotlight of the Week: Meet Dr. Zekun Lyu! Zekun completed his PhD at King’s last July. He uses bioinformatics tools to unravel the transcriptional networks within mouse, human and stem cell-derived islets. Outside the lab, Zekun is a keen cook and a big fan of esports and gaming.

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Tzuwen from our team was recently hosted by The Sugar Science to talk about her recent paper describing how secretions from supportive cells help improve beta cell function and survival. 🔬🧫 Watch the full talk here (youtu.be/sQbBI2c3GkU?...) and read the paper here (www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/15...)!

youtu.be

Beneficial Effects of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles on Beta-Cell Survival

YouTube video by The Sugar Science

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Our technical team won a Freezer Challenge Prize! The Freezer Challenge awards points efficient and sustainable use of cold storage. This year, we improved inventory systems and reduced the number of cold storage units in the department, saving energy and more efficiently using existing storage.

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

🔬 Researcher Spotlight of the Week: Meet William Blackstone Whines! William’s research investigates how survival of lab-grown islets can be improved, especially looking at their function in vivo. When not in the lab William enjoys being outdoors, whether this be skiing or just going for a walk.

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

🔬Meet Sarah Gatward! ✨ Sarah, our PPI lead and co-applicant, is a Diabetes UK medallist who has lived with type 1 diabetes since March 1972, offering insight from lived experience. Outside research, Sarah is the Finance Director at Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, and enjoys yoga and theatre performances.

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Many congratulations to Adya, who received the award for ‘Outstanding Technical Services Support for Research’, and to Aileen who won the ‘Outstanding Educator Award’ at the King’s Faculty Awards this week. Shanta, Lydia, Will, and Sula were also nominated for awards. 🎉🎉

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Aileen from our team was delighted to attend the Type 1 Tipping Point event in Westminster last week. Hosted by Josh Newbury MP and Diabetes UK, the event reinforced that investment in UK diabetes research is essential to improve outcomes for people living with type 1 diabetes.

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Last week, Aileen, Lydia, and Tzuwen attended the Islet Study Group 2026 conference in Barcelona! Lydia and Tzuwen presented posters describing their research on improving islet function and after a long day of engaging scientific talks the team enjoyed some delicious food and a trip to the beach!

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

🔬 Research Spotlight of the Month: Meet Adya Lonsane! Adya joined King’s as an undergraduate, studying Pharmacology. She now works on transplanting lab grown islets into mice to their function. Outside the lab, Adya enjoys travelling, crocheting, baking, and playing badminton!

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Last month, our Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge Team enjoyed a well-deserved sunny Away Day! ☀️👒 They set off on a 15km walk along the Thames Path from Battersea Power Station to Kew, giving them the chance to slow down, bask in the sunshine, and spend time together outside the lab. 🌳✨

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Last week, our team took part in an insightful personality workshop led by Angelina Bennet, exploring different personality types, communication styles, and ways to collaborate more effectively. A huge thank you to Angelina for an engaging and thought-provoking session!

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

🔬 Research Spotlight of the Month: Meet Rosie Sullivan! Rosie works on improving the function and survival of lab-grown islets. When Rosie isn’t in the lab she loves getting outside exploring the UK hiking, cycling, horse riding, running and swimming!

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

🔬 Research Spotlight of the Month: Meet Neve Oliver-Hannis! Neve is a Research Assistant and compares the function and characteristics of stem cell-derived islets with human beta cells. Outside the lab, Neve enjoys travelling, running and skiing, especially trying to get a new top speed!

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

What is Type 1 Diabetes and why is Diabetes research important? Here, Adya from our team explains how Type 1 Diabetes works 🔬 Stay tuned to learn more about our research using stem cells in Type 1 Diabetes! #type1diabetes #diabetesresearch

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

Our T1DGC-funded early career researchers did us proud at the Diabetes UK Professional Conference 2026 in Liverpool, with excellent presentations from Lydia (received the Early Career Investigator Award), Tzu-Wen (was named Runner Up for the Basic Science Poster Award), Jess, Rosie, and Will!! 🧑‍🔬🎉

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Spending time with our PPI group and hearing their experiences of living with diabetes was incredibly valuable. We learned more about the constant balancing act people with Type 1 diabetes face every day. Thank you to everyone who trusted us with their experiences. ✨

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

🔬 Research Spotlight of the Month: Meet Dr. Jess Starikova! Jess’ research focuses on validating the function and survival of stem cell-derived islets. Outside the lab, she enjoys travelling (especially to Venice 😉), watching live theatre, and catching up with friends over coffee!

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

Earlier this month, Jess from our team was invited by the Bromley Girl Guides to be interviewed about what it’s like to have a career in science! The girls had a brilliant time and asked lots of questions about the lab and her lanyard of science-themed pins! #womenandgirlsinscience #girlsinstem

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

Here’s Aileen giving our lovely Operations Officer, Sula, blessings at her traditional Bangle Ceremony for her baby-on-the-way! ✨ Family and friends blessed her by applying sandalwood to her face and adorning her with colourful bangles, wishing her a safe pregnancy and healthy arrival of the baby.

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

This International Women’s Day, the KCL Diabetes team celebrates the inspiring female mentors and role models that have shaped their journey in research! 👩‍🔬 #internationalwomensday #womeninSTEM #womeninscience

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

Research Spotlight: Dr @lydiagatward.bsky.social 🌟 Lydia is boosting the survival of stem cell-derived islets and testing them in vivo to advance diabetes therapies. Funded by the Steve Morgan Foundation, she’s a lab whiz, teacher, marathon runner, hiker & live music fan!

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

Staying active on and off the clock! The KCL Diabetes Team keeps moving with our weekly Thursday evening run club - and here’s a snap of some of our team members from a recent run! We sometimes follow it up with a monthly quiz night too - keeping both body and mind active💡 #KCLDiabetes

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

Celebrating @aileenking.bsky.social birthday in style 🥳The team came together for an in-house hot pot filled with laughter, great food, and even better company. Wishing her a very happy birthday with lots of joy, exciting scientific discoveries, and many more wonderful memories like these 💫🎂

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

A great team-building day in the park last year 🌳 Stepping outside the labs to enjoy nature, brave the weather, and spend quality time together - with a surprise visit from a special furry friend who clearly wanted to join the team! #KCLT1DiabetesGrandChallenge #teambuilding

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

We have successfully reached the end of our first batch of ARMI cells! 🧬 Looking back at these pictures makes us so proud of how far we’ve come. Now, we eagerly await our second batch of cells and the exciting research ahead. #KCLT1Diabetes #ARMIcells #cellculture #research

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

🔬 Researcher Spotlight: @tzuwenhong.bsky.social Postdoc funded by the Steve Morgan Foundation & KHP DEO, studying how support cells help beta cells survive for diabetes therapies. Marathon runner, triathlete & our go-to lab photographer 📸🏃‍♀️ #KCLT1DiabetesGrandChallenge #WomenInScience #STEM

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

Welcoming 2026 after a wonderful festive break ✨ Excited for new discoveries, impactful research updates, and more team moments as we drive progress in Type 1 Diabetes research.

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

Spreading festive cheer with the best team! 🎅🎄 We celebrated Christmas on campus with our own Santa & Elf, gift-giving, plenty of laughter, and amazing food - quality-checked and approved by Aileen 😉 Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! ✨🎉

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

Shout-out to our team for taking part in the annual Foodbank Run/Walk from London Bridge to Pecan, helping provide much-needed support to the local community this season! #KCLT1DiabetesGrandChallenge #CommunitySupport

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

Our team had a great time at the T1D Grand Challenge Symposium this week - sharing our research and PPI work, meeting brilliant teams, and gaining fresh insights. Grateful for the collaborations and inspired for what’s next! #kclt1diabetesgrandchallenge #Research #PPI

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

Here’s the team during our monthly SMF project meeting - catching up on research updates, planning follow-ups, strengthening PPI involvement, and exploring new ways to improve the project. And of course… fuelled by Rosie's homemade cinnamon rolls. A productive meeting and a delicious one! ✨

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

On #WorldDiabetesDay, we celebrate the strength of everyone living with Type 1 diabetes. At King’s College London, the Steve Morgan Foundation Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge is powering research that fuels hope and drives real change. 💙

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

This is how happy we get when we create beta cells in the lab! 🎉 @rksullivan.bsky.social joy says it all after successfully growing some beautiful beta cells - smiles all around 😊 More exciting research updates coming soon! #KCLT1DiabetesGrandChallenge #BetaCells #StemCellResearch

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

Throwback to our recent in-person PP meeting! The PPI team visited the animal lab for a first-hand look at the amazing research underway - a great chance for researchers to showcase their work and for PPI members to see progress up close 🔬 #PublicInvolvement #TeamScience #InnovationInAction

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

We’re excited to welcome Jess, Adya & Neve, joining 3 other UK sites to test stem cell–derived beta cells from Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI) (USA). This 12-month project aims to advance research toward scalable islet transplantation solutions. #StemCells #DiabetesResearch

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

✨Diwali at @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social ! ✨ Our team celebrated the festival of lights together. Big thanks to Adya for leading the celebration, sharing Diwali’s story, and treating us to vada pav, paneer tikka, samosas & coconut barfi! 🪔💛 #Diwali #TeamCulture #DiversityAndInclusion

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 09/10/2025

✨ Welcome Ryea Arora, our newest Research Technician! ✨ MSc Pharmacology (with Professional Placement) from King’s College London. Loves reading, baking, travelling, and was a barista during uni! ☕📚✈️🍰 #KCLT1DiabetesGrandChallenge #NewTeamMember #WomenInSTEM #ResearchTechnician #WelcomeToTheTeam

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

100km. Two amazing cyclists, @tzuwenhong.bsky.social & @rksullivan.bsky.social, recently crushed it! 🚴‍♀️ Memories made, fluids consumed, and huge thanks to Shanta for cheering them on – your support made all the difference! 🌟 #WomenInSTEM #CyclingAdventures #TeamPride #KCLT1Diabetes

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 25/09/2025

Tzuwen, our research fellow, presented on how islets are made to our PPI Steering Group and at @type1diabetesuk.bsky.social. Her creative, engaging talk showcased our team’s work, making complex science accessible and fun, and highlighting our research to patients and the wider diabetes community!

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 17/09/2025

We were delighted to host our second in-person PPI meeting today! 🎉 A fantastic opportunity for the research team to connect with our PPI group, hear their perspectives, share updates, and engage in open discussions that highlight the importance of collaboration in shaping meaningful research.

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 11/09/2025

🔦 Researcher Spotlight 🔦 Peter Jones has dedicated 30+ years at to diabetes research & teaching, serving as Head of Physiology (2016–23). Outside work he’s a walker, gardener, craft beer brewer, proud Granddad - and an occasional cornsnake breeder. #ResearcherSpotlight #DiabetesResearch

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

🔬 Research Spotlight Our research team is co-culturing beta cells (green) with supporter MSCs (red). Beta cells migrate into islet-like structures, while MSCs may leave behind scaffolds for survival. 🚀 Stay tuned for more updates - we’re just getting started! #kclt1diabetes #islettransplantation

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

@aileenking.bsky.social gave a tandem talk with Patrick McDonald at the DDEA Summer School (25–28 Aug), while Jana won a poster prize! They enjoyed the sessions, early swims, great food & networking with fellow PhD researchers in diabetes & endocrinology. #Diabetes #Endocrinology #Research

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 14/08/2025

🌟 Research Spotlight 🌟 Meet @aileenking.bsky.social – Head of Pharmacology & Therapeutics at KCL & global leader in islet transplantation. Inspiring teacher, pioneering diabetes researcher, and all-round force of nature. Also skis, runs & kitesurfs! #T1D #STEM #KCLResearch

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 07/08/2025

Great meeting with our PPI Lead, Sarah, who shared valuable feedback on PPI’s role in our research and ways to boost engagement. Her leadership and passion are vital in connecting our team with the wider PPI group. We finished with a lovely team lunch - always nice to connect beyond work! #PPI

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 31/07/2025

Great to see our project co-lead, @aileenking.bsky.social sharing her insights and research at the Havering Patient Group meeting last week. She spoke about the team’s current work and the importance of involving patients in shaping research. #T1Dgrandchallenge #PatientVoices #ResearchMatters

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 24/07/2025

Meet Prof. Shanta Persaud – PI on the T1D project + expert in beta cell biology at King’s! She’s a passionate educator, runner, boxer, skier, music lover (Beyoncé recently), Tate Modern member + quiz night fan. A true research powerhouse. #T1D #STEM #KCL #BetaCells #WomenInSTEM

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KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

Proud of our KCL T1 Grand Challenge team! 🎉 @aileenking.bsky.social is Runner-Up at KCL SHINE Awards, the Type 1 Diabetes team nominated for Team of the Year, & Shanta, @lydiagatward.bsky.social, and Sulakshitaa shortlisted for FoLSM Staff Awards! 👏 Inspiring work all around! #teamSMF #KCL

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