The University of the Highlands and Islands has committed to invest heavily in personnel and equipment to set up a high quality research department in diabetes in the Highland Diabetes Institute within the Centre for Health Science. The Department, currently in temporary accommodation, is jointly directed by Ian Megson, Lifescan Chair of Diabetes and Sandra McRury, Clinical Professor of Diabetes.
 
The research themes will include preclinical and clinical aspects of diabetes research. Current research centres on the cardiovascular complications of diabetes and includes research into new agents to stop blockage of blood vessels in patients with diabetes. The work also involves investigating the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in the deterioration of the function of pancreatic insulin producing cells.
 
Relocation of the department to the Highland Diabetes Institute will provide laboratory expansion, further recruitment of staff and students and co-location with key partners offering further research collaborations.