Oxford University and Novo Nordisk have established an international fellowship programme that aims to support the career and scientific development of young, exceptional research talent within diabetes. The partnership will establish a number of post-doctoral fellowship opportunities that will be hosted by Oxford University and funded by Novo Nordisk.

The first four fellows in the programme will start in the autumn of 2014.

"We are honoured to establish the International Post Doctoral Fellowship Programme with Oxford University, which has such valuable expertise in the study and treatment of diabetes. By combining our company's discovery and clinical development strengths with the research expertise and academic tradition of Oxford University, we can support the development of a new generation of exceptional diabetes researchers to eventually drive innovation further and improve the lives of the patients," said Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, executive vice president and chief science officer at Novo Nordisk.

As part of the agreement, a total of 12 young leading researchers will be offered a three-year grant to support their research within the fields of diabetes, metabolism and endocrinology. The goal of the new programme is to support the development of a new generation of research leaders while further developing scientific excellence within diabetes.

"This new programme will support the best young researchers doing novel work in the understanding of diabetes and its treatment. It is these early career researchers that will produce the new ideas, discoveries and advances that will improve diabetes treatment and care in the future. We're delighted to partner with Novo Nordisk to provide this level of funding and support which will be important in enabling both their research and their career development," said Professor Hugh Watkins of the Radcliffe Department of Medicine at Oxford University.

A joint steering committee with members from both Oxford University and Novo Nordisk will oversee the programme and assess research proposals from scientists at both organisations.

Novo Nordisk is a healthcare company and a world leader in diabetes care and has a leading position within areas such as haemostasis management, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy. The company manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products and services that make a significant difference to patients, the medical profession and society.