Award recognizes outstanding efforts in type 1 diabetes research
New York, Oct. 27, 2026—Breakthrough T1D, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, proudly announces Dr. Carla Greenbaum as recipient of the 2026 George Eisenbarth Award for Type 1 Diabetes Prevention in recognition of her leadership in prevention research.
Named after esteemed researcher George Eisenbarth, M.D., Ph.D., who provided the foundation for predicting T1D and identifying novel approaches toward prevention and cures, the award recognizes researchers who have made great contributions to preventing T1D.
Dr. Greenbaum is an endocrinologist in the Center for Interventional Immunology at Benaroya Research Institute in Seattle, Washington, an institution internationally renowned for immune disease research and a highly collaborative environment with basic, translational, systems, and clinical researchers working together to accelerate bringing new science to clinical use. Dr. Greenbaum has been at the forefront of understanding the T1D disease process for almost four decades, conducting some of the first studies showing that autoantibodies predict T1D disease years before clinical diagnosis and serving as clinical center director of the Northwest Diabetes Prevention Trial (DPT-1) in the 1990s.
Dr. Greenbaum later served as vice chair and subsequently chair of Diabetes TrialNet, leading this National Institutes of Health (NIH) sponsored international network in conducting trials to slow or stop the disease before or after diagnosis, including the landmark trial demonstrating that teplizumab delayed the onset of stage 3 T1D. Currently, she is Co-Director of Diabetes TrialNet Clinical Hub and serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of the NIH funded Immune Tolerance Network. In addition to academic work, she actively engages with industry to advance therapies to alter the course of T1D.
“Breakthrough T1D is honored to present this award to Dr. Greenbaum whose research has been foundational in our ability to identify and delay early-stage type 1 diabetes,” said Breakthrough T1D Chief Scientific Officer Sanjoy Dutta, Ph.D. “Dr. Greenbaum’s contributions have significantly advanced the field toward T1D prevention and improved outcomes for those who live with the condition.”
Breakthrough T1D research award recipients were recognized at a ceremony in Philadelphia earlier in October 2026.
About Breakthrough T1D, Formerly JDRF
As the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D helps make everyday life with type 1 diabetes better while driving toward cures. We do this by investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with government to address issues that impact the T1D community, and helping educate and empower individuals facing this condition.
About Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
T1D is an autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all. This leads to dependence on insulin therapy and the risk of short and long-term complications, which can include highs and lows in blood sugar; damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart; and even death. Globally, it impacts 9.5 million people. Many believe T1D is only diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, but diagnosis in adulthood is common and accounts for nearly 50% of all T1D diagnoses. The onset of T1D has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. There is currently no cure for T1D.
