KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge
@kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social
Official page of our King’s College London project, supported by the Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge. We’re developing stem cell-based insulin-producing cells to help restore natural blood sugar control. Excited to share our journey with you!
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
@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
November 6, 2025 at 12:55 PM
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
@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
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
#PublicInvolvement #TeamScience #InnovationInAction
October 30, 2025 at 11:14 AM
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
#PublicInvolvement #TeamScience #InnovationInAction
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
#StemCells #DiabetesResearch
October 23, 2025 at 9:18 AM
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
#StemCells #DiabetesResearch
✨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
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
October 16, 2025 at 1:47 PM
✨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
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
✨ 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
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
October 9, 2025 at 11:23 AM
✨ 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
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
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
#WomenInSTEM #CyclingAdventures #TeamPride #KCLT1Diabetes
October 2, 2025 at 10:51 AM
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
#WomenInSTEM #CyclingAdventures #TeamPride #KCLT1Diabetes
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!
September 25, 2025 at 11:51 AM
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!
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.
September 17, 2025 at 4:54 PM
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.
🔦 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
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
September 11, 2025 at 9:57 AM
🔦 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
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
🔬 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
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
September 4, 2025 at 9:42 AM
🔬 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
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
@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
They enjoyed the sessions, early swims, great food & networking with fellow PhD researchers in diabetes & endocrinology.
#Diabetes #Endocrinology #Research
August 28, 2025 at 10:34 AM
@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
They enjoyed the sessions, early swims, great food & networking with fellow PhD researchers in diabetes & endocrinology.
#Diabetes #Endocrinology #Research
🌟 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
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
August 14, 2025 at 8:47 AM
🌟 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
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
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
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
August 7, 2025 at 9:29 AM
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
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
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
She spoke about the team’s current work and the importance of involving patients in shaping research.
#T1Dgrandchallenge #PatientVoices #ResearchMatters
July 31, 2025 at 11:54 AM
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
She spoke about the team’s current work and the importance of involving patients in shaping research.
#T1Dgrandchallenge #PatientVoices #ResearchMatters
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
#T1D #STEM #KCL #BetaCells #WomenInSTEM
July 24, 2025 at 10:25 AM
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
#T1D #STEM #KCL #BetaCells #WomenInSTEM
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
@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
July 17, 2025 at 11:43 AM
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
@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
Throwback to our first in-person Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) meeting last November! This brilliant group brings lived experience and key insights that shape our research.
We’re grateful for their contributions and look forward to continuing this journey. #PPI #kclt1grandchallenge
We’re grateful for their contributions and look forward to continuing this journey. #PPI #kclt1grandchallenge
July 10, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Throwback to our first in-person Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) meeting last November! This brilliant group brings lived experience and key insights that shape our research.
We’re grateful for their contributions and look forward to continuing this journey. #PPI #kclt1grandchallenge
We’re grateful for their contributions and look forward to continuing this journey. #PPI #kclt1grandchallenge
📢 We’re hiring a Research Technician at King’s College London, Guy's Campus!
Join our diabetes research team working on stem cell-derived beta cells. Apply by 22 July 2025.
🔗 www.kcl.ac.uk/jobs/118425-...
#stemcells #diabetes #KCL
Join our diabetes research team working on stem cell-derived beta cells. Apply by 22 July 2025.
🔗 www.kcl.ac.uk/jobs/118425-...
#stemcells #diabetes #KCL
Research Technician
www.kcl.ac.uk
July 3, 2025 at 11:53 AM
📢 We’re hiring a Research Technician at King’s College London, Guy's Campus!
Join our diabetes research team working on stem cell-derived beta cells. Apply by 22 July 2025.
🔗 www.kcl.ac.uk/jobs/118425-...
#stemcells #diabetes #KCL
Join our diabetes research team working on stem cell-derived beta cells. Apply by 22 July 2025.
🔗 www.kcl.ac.uk/jobs/118425-...
#stemcells #diabetes #KCL
Who says lab life can't come with a side of fun?
Throwing it back to an unforgettable evening at the EISG conference dinner in Sweden (June 11–13)! Great chats, great company, and even better vibes. Here’s to science and smiles!
@eisg2025.bsky.social
#EISG2025 #KCLT1GrandChallenge
Throwing it back to an unforgettable evening at the EISG conference dinner in Sweden (June 11–13)! Great chats, great company, and even better vibes. Here’s to science and smiles!
@eisg2025.bsky.social
#EISG2025 #KCLT1GrandChallenge
June 28, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Who says lab life can't come with a side of fun?
Throwing it back to an unforgettable evening at the EISG conference dinner in Sweden (June 11–13)! Great chats, great company, and even better vibes. Here’s to science and smiles!
@eisg2025.bsky.social
#EISG2025 #KCLT1GrandChallenge
Throwing it back to an unforgettable evening at the EISG conference dinner in Sweden (June 11–13)! Great chats, great company, and even better vibes. Here’s to science and smiles!
@eisg2025.bsky.social
#EISG2025 #KCLT1GrandChallenge
Big shoutout to @williambw.bsky.social who completed his half marathon on June 8th in 1:47! He and his mates raised over £4,000 for Diabetes UK in memory of their friend Bernard.
Running for a cause and making a real difference!
@diabetesuk.bsky.social
#kclt1grandchallenge#diabetesuk
Running for a cause and making a real difference!
@diabetesuk.bsky.social
#kclt1grandchallenge#diabetesuk
June 19, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Big shoutout to @williambw.bsky.social who completed his half marathon on June 8th in 1:47! He and his mates raised over £4,000 for Diabetes UK in memory of their friend Bernard.
Running for a cause and making a real difference!
@diabetesuk.bsky.social
#kclt1grandchallenge#diabetesuk
Running for a cause and making a real difference!
@diabetesuk.bsky.social
#kclt1grandchallenge#diabetesuk
Our star @lydiagatward.bsky.social rocked a science chat with primary schoolers (Years 1–6) at London Academy!
From lab coats to fun experiments—and questions like “Do you make potions?”—inspiring future scientists one curious mind at a time!
#STEMOutreach #FutureScientists #kclt1grandchallenge
From lab coats to fun experiments—and questions like “Do you make potions?”—inspiring future scientists one curious mind at a time!
#STEMOutreach #FutureScientists #kclt1grandchallenge
June 13, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Our star @lydiagatward.bsky.social rocked a science chat with primary schoolers (Years 1–6) at London Academy!
From lab coats to fun experiments—and questions like “Do you make potions?”—inspiring future scientists one curious mind at a time!
#STEMOutreach #FutureScientists #kclt1grandchallenge
From lab coats to fun experiments—and questions like “Do you make potions?”—inspiring future scientists one curious mind at a time!
#STEMOutreach #FutureScientists #kclt1grandchallenge
Reposted by KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge
Beautiful evening in Skåne. @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social @eisg2025.bsky.social
June 12, 2025 at 11:24 PM
Beautiful evening in Skåne. @kcltype1diabetes.bsky.social @eisg2025.bsky.social
At @eisg2025.bsky.social in Sweden — loving the science, the chats, and the new ideas! @williambw.bsky.social showcasing some of our team’s ongoing research.
If you’re here too, come say hi! Excited to learn, share, and connect with brilliant minds in islet biology!
#eisg2025 #kclt1grandchallenge
If you’re here too, come say hi! Excited to learn, share, and connect with brilliant minds in islet biology!
#eisg2025 #kclt1grandchallenge
June 12, 2025 at 10:58 AM
At @eisg2025.bsky.social in Sweden — loving the science, the chats, and the new ideas! @williambw.bsky.social showcasing some of our team’s ongoing research.
If you’re here too, come say hi! Excited to learn, share, and connect with brilliant minds in islet biology!
#eisg2025 #kclt1grandchallenge
If you’re here too, come say hi! Excited to learn, share, and connect with brilliant minds in islet biology!
#eisg2025 #kclt1grandchallenge
Shanta, Professor of Diabetes & Endocrinology at KCL and Principal Investigator of our project, took science to Westminster! She spoke at the Diabetes APPG in Portcullis House with Chair Tom Gordon MP, sharing exciting updates from our T1D Grand Challenge research.
#kclt1grandchallenge #research
#kclt1grandchallenge #research
June 8, 2025 at 12:32 PM
Shanta, Professor of Diabetes & Endocrinology at KCL and Principal Investigator of our project, took science to Westminster! She spoke at the Diabetes APPG in Portcullis House with Chair Tom Gordon MP, sharing exciting updates from our T1D Grand Challenge research.
#kclt1grandchallenge #research
#kclt1grandchallenge #research
Reposted by KCL Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge
I had a lovely evening celebrating my inaugural lecture with friends, family and colleagues. I am so privileged to be surrounded by brilliant colleagues.
June 5, 2025 at 10:27 AM
I had a lovely evening celebrating my inaugural lecture with friends, family and colleagues. I am so privileged to be surrounded by brilliant colleagues.