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 Peter Thompson, Ph.D. as the recipient of the 2026 Dr. Robert Goldstein Award in recognition of his notable contributions to T1D research.
Named for Dr. Robert Goldstein, who played a key role in developing Breakthrough T1D’s Research department and served as chief scientific officer for Breakthrough International and Breakthrough T1D Canada for decades, the award recognizes notable early career T1D researchers who show great promise for future work in the field.
Dr. Thompson is associate professor of physiology and pathophysiology in the University of Manitoba’s Max Rady College of Medicine and research scientist at the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba. He completed his Ph.D. in medical genetics in 2016 studying stem cell biology at the University of British Columbia, and his postdoctoral training in islet biology and T1D at the University of California San Francisco Diabetes Center in 2020. Dr. Thompson established his independent research program as an assistant professor at University of Manitoba in 2020.
Dr. Thompson’s research has focused on senescence as a mechanism contributing to beta cell dysfunction in T1D, and as a potential target for developing disease-modifying therapies. His work highlights the active role beta cells play in disease progression and points to stress response pathways that may offer long term therapeutic opportunities. Dr. Thompson’s research program is funded by major national grants including from Breakthrough T1D Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and Diabetes Canada.
“Although insulin was discovered more than 100 years ago and is still a lifesaving medication today, we are only beginning to understand the complexities of how T1D develops and how to safely and effectively replace lost beta cells in people living with the disease,” said Thompson. “As a result of our research, we hope to develop therapies that can slow or halt disease progression before a T1D diagnosis and, eventually, prevent T1D. Our work will also support ongoing efforts in the field to provide safe and effective cell-replacement therapies for people living with T1D.”
“Breakthrough T1D is proud to present this award to Dr. Thompson and honor his innovative contributions that have helped advance our collective understanding of type 1 diabetes disease progression,” said Breakthrough T1D Chief Scientific Officer Sanjoy Dutta, Ph.D. “His discoveries surrounding beta cells in type 1 diabetes have provided clear research insights and pathways for developing new T1D therapies. This work has been integral to Breakthrough T1D’s mission and will continue to have a tremendous impact on the future of type 1 diabetes treatment and the broader T1D community.”
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.
