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Joslin Diabetes Center

Since its inception in 1898, the primary mission of the Joslin Diabetes Center has been to care for people with diabetes, and conduct research to provide new knowledge about diabetes and its complications that will lead to new treatments, prevention and/or cure of these disorders.

This mission is interpreted in its broadest context because diabetes is a heterogeneous and complex disorder, there is a close relationship between diabetes and other metabolic disorders including obesity and atherosclerosis, and progress in understanding cellular processes and disease pathogenesis should ultimately lead to major advances for diabetes.

Research within Joslin involves a wide variety of biologic disciplines ranging from the most basic model systems to studies of pathophysiology in animal models and humans to the evaluation of new therapies in patients.

The primary aim of the Joslin DRC is to provide a facilitating framework for conducting multi-disciplinary basic and clinical research and to encourage the scientific development of young investigators. Special attention is paid to fostering rapid translation of basic research to the next level.

This is accomplished by the three major programs of the Joslin DRC:

  1. Core Laboratories which provide services, reagents, specialized technical expertise and education directed at enhancing the productivity of research programs.
  2. Pilot and Feasibility projects that support the development of new investigators and allow established investigators to explore new areas, and strengthen bridges to surrounding institutions.
  3. The Enrichment Program which provide a series of seminars, workshops and visiting professors to provide continuing education, stimulation, and foster collaborations with external research programs.

Research Cores


Animal Physiology & Phenotyping
Joslin Animal Physiology CoreLaurie J Goodyear PhD MS
The Animal Physiology Core provides technically advanced physiological evaluation of metabolism in diabetes, obesity, and the associated complications in rodents for Joslin Diabetes Research Center investigators and outside users.
Clinical & Translational Studies
Joslin Clinical Translational Research Center CoreLori Laffel MD MPH
The Joslin Clinical Translational Research Core (CTRC) offers a safe and effective environment to conduct outpatient clinical research studies.
Flow Cytometry
Joslin Flow Cytometry CoreAmy Wagers PhD
The Joslin Flow Cytometry Core provides reliable and affordable cell sorting and flow cytometry analysis services to its users so that they can isolate, analyze, and study cells that increase our understanding of diabetes and its complications, and ultimately, develop treatments and cures for these diseases.
Molecular Biology, Genetics & Genomics
Joslin Genome Editing CoreStephan Kissler PhD
The Genome Editing Core (GEC) provides investigators with resources to manipulate the genome of laboratory mice and cells with the aim of studying genetics underlying diabetes and its complications.
Molecular Biology, Genetics & Genomics
Joslin Molecular Phenotyping and Genotyping CoreAlessandro Doria MD PhD MPH
The objective of the Molecular Phenotyping and Genotyping Core is to support Joslin and external investigators in the study of molecular mechanisms of disease by providing equipment, expertise, and services in molecular phenotyping.