Type 1 diabetes (TD1) is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Without insulin, people with T1D cannot regulate blood glucose levels effectively, leading to serious health complications. T1D affects an estimated 400,000 people in the UK alone, and tens of millions worldwide. Current treatment relies on insulin replacement through injections or pumps, but patients often face significant challenges including hypoglycaemia, long-term complications, and burdensome daily management.
The Bukhman Centre for Research Excellence in Type 1 Diabetes will bring together experts from across Oxford – including in medical sciences, chemistry, bioengineering and computer science – to drive collaborative, cross-disciplinary research. By leveraging Oxford’s unique breadth and depth of expertise, alongside cutting-edge technology and infrastructure, the centre will serve as a catalyst for innovative breakthroughs that can be translated rapidly into life-changing advances for patients.
David Hodson, Professor of Diabetic Medicine at the Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism in the Radcliffe Department of Medicine, said: ‘With this generous gift, we will for the first time be able to bring a multidisciplinary research approach to bear on type 1 diabetes. Oxford's expertise in medical and physical sciences will allow us to make rapid and ground-breaking discoveries that will benefit individuals living with type 1 diabetes.’
Within its overarching goal of finding a cure for T1D, the centre will focus on three integrated research themes: identifying individuals at risk of T1D to enable selection for cutting-edge immunotherapy trials to delay disease progression; developing immune strategies to prevent T1D from occurring in the first place; and producing more effective cell therapies to help patients live well with T1D.
Keith Channon, Head of the Radcliffe Department of Medicine, said: ‘The Bukhman family’s investment will catalyse new cross-disciplinary research innovations to find a cure for T1D, as well as new treatments and techniques to prevent the disease and improve the lives of those already diagnosed.’
The Bukhman Foundation’s gift will also support the recruitment and funding of senior academic posts – including fellowships and a professorship – to lead research into T1D. In addition, new scholarships will provide support for DPhil students, fostering the next generation of researchers and educators in the field. This will allow Oxford to attract the best minds in T1D research and teaching, building a vibrant and sustainable research community and ensuring Oxford remains at the forefront of this field.
Professor John Todd, Professor of Precision Medicine and Principal Investigator at the Centre for Human Genetics, said: ‘It’s a truly historic period for type 1 diabetes care since insulin therapy was developed over 100 years ago. We can now scan whole populations for those children and adults at risk of the disease and therefore establish ways to prevent the earliest events in the disease process thus eliminating the need for insulin therapy.’
The Bukhman Foundation was established in 2023 by Anastasia and Igor Bukhman to help improve lives and generate positive impact to people and their communities. The foundation focuses on T1D medical research, supporting open science, long-term collaboration and visionary thinking; and arts and culture, celebrating and expanding access, and helping the next generation of artists and cultural professionals to be represented, be innovative and excel.
In 2025, the foundation announced an historic £100 million pledge over the next 10 years to advance research and advocacy in T1D. By backing innovative projects and fostering collaboration among top researchers, the Bukhman Foundation’s aim is to spearhead efforts to address the unmet needs of millions of people living with T1D worldwide.
Anastasia and Igor Bukhman, Co-Founders of the Bukhman Foundation, said: ‘It’s an honour to be supporting Oxford University in establishing the Bukhman Centre for Research Excellence in Type 1 Diabetes. T1D is a condition that affects millions of people around the world, and we know that Oxford’s expertise and world-class research will be transformative in accelerating progress towards new treatments and, ultimately, a future where this condition no longer defines or limits lives. At the Bukhman Foundation, we know first hand the profound impact that T1D has on individuals and families, and we are determined to bring about real and lasting improvements to the lives of those living with T1D today.’
Dr Rachel Besser, Consultant Paediatric Endocrinologist and Principal Investigator at the Centre for Human Genetics, said: ‘Type 1 diabetes impacts every aspect of an individual’s life and that of their families. This incredible gift is an investment in research that has the power to drive meaningful change for those with or at risk of type 1 diabetes. We owe a great deal of thanks to the Bukhman Foundation for their vision and generosity.’