Dr Sabrina Binkowski has been working in T1D research at the Kids Research Institute Australia for seven years. She holds a Masters of Science - Biotechnology, PhD, and has worked across many projects in the diabetes team.
We had a quick chat with Sabrina to find out more about her current research projects and what she thinks will be the biggest T1D research breakthroughs in the next 10 years.
How long have you been working in diabetes research for?
I have been working in T1D research for around 7 years.
Why did you get into T1D research?
I have always been interested in the interaction between the immune systems and the environment. The incidence of T1D is rising worldwide showing that the incidence rate varies by region and age group. The reasons for the region-specific differences are unclear and it is therefore essential that we understand the environmental factors that predispose of T1D.
What are the current research projects you are working on?
I’m working across multiple studies. One of the main projects is the Early Environmental determinant of islet autoimmunity (ENDIA) study, an Australian-wide cohort study following 1500 children with a first-degree relative diagnosed with T1D, initially during pregnancy and the first 10 years of life to learn how various factors including gene-environment interactions, dietary intake and effect and timing of viral infection relate to the development of T1D.
Another research project is focusing on the growing population of culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) families in Western Australia who have a child diagnosed with T1D. The aim is to develop culturally tailored educational resources that meet the needs of these CaLD communities.
I’m also involved in managing a diabetes biobank containing various biospecimen collected from children diagnosed with T1D. The Bioabank offers great collaborative opportunities to conduct further genetic research intoT1D and its complications as well as other related autoimmune diseases.
What do you think will be the biggest T1D research breakthroughs in the next 10 years?
I think there will be a huge advancement in stem cell and genetic therapy which will have the potential to replace and restore beta cell functions. While it’s still early days, current data sounds incredibly promising.
What do you like to do outside of your work?
I try to travel whenever I can. I like being active like hiking, biking and going to the gym. I do enjoy playing board games with a group of friends and family.