Professor Josephine Forbes is a global leader driving innovative therapies for diabetes and kidney disease. She fosters her pioneering discovery research all the way to clinical studies in partnership with industry, health services and people with lived experience of diabetes. In her peak body leadership roles, including as President of the Australian Diabetes Society, she ensures strong advocacy and equity at all levels for people living with diabetes, researchers/healthcare professionals and leads the stakeholder taskforce that has developed a cohesive National Diabetes Research Strategy. Her accolades include the Commonwealth Health Minister’s Award for Outstanding contribution to Medical Research.