The American Diabetes Association Research Foundation announced the inception of the American Diabetes Association-Takeda Pharmaceuticals Mentor-Based Minority Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. The Minority Fellowship program is solely supported by a $315,000 grant from Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America. The program will train some of the most promising minority diabetes researchers working under the tutelage of established diabetes research investigators who will serve as their mentors.

The grant will support the research efforts of three minority Ph.D. candidates per year for three years. Recipients will pursue basic or clinical research projects aimed at preventing, treating and curing diabetes. "With the high prevalence of diabetes in minority populations and one million new cases of diabetes being diagnosed every year, Takeda's contribution will provide much needed funding for minority researchers around the country," said Martha M. Funnell, President, Health Care & Education, American Diabetes Association.

The American Diabetes Association is the nation's premier voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the Association has offices in every region of the country, providing services to hundreds of communities. The Association's commitment to research is reflected through its scientific meetings; education and provider recognition programs; and its Research Foundation and Nationwide Research Program, which fund breakthrough studies looking into the cure, prevention, and treatment of diabetes and its complications.