Dr Jennifer Snaith is an Endocrinologist and Research Fellow based at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research where she conducts clinical trials in type 1 diabetes.
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I wear a few hats — I’m an Endocrinologist in private practice and at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney where I established a dedicated young adults diabetes service in 2021. However, most of my time is dedicated to type 1 diabetes research, running clinical trials with a physiological and cardiometabolic focus. My PhD at the Garvan Institute involved a metformin trial in type 1 diabetes, using hyperinsulinemiceuglycemic clamps with glucose tracers. I now lead type 1 diabetes trials, supported by a JDRF Australia post-doc fellowship, with an incredible team, including PhD student Dr Ruth Frampton, research nurses, and mentor Prof Jerry Greenfield - who has not only shaped my thinking as a clinical scientist but has supported me to carve out my own research niche in type 1 diabetes.
What’s your research all about, and what’s the most exciting part for you?Ìý Ìý
My research focuses on redefining type 1 diabetes management beyond insulin alone. We run clinical trials repurposing glucose-lowering therapies from type 2 diabetes and obesity to target insulin resistance and reduce cardiovascular risk in type 1 diabetes. We’ve just completed the world-first tirzepatide trial in type 1 diabetes (TIRTLE, manuscript underway), and are currently midway through our Semaglutide RCT (RESET1), supported by an MRFF grant. The most exciting part has been seeing participants experience dramatic improvements in glucose control, weight, and quality of life — changes we simply can't achieve with insulin alone.Ìý I’m convinced that adjunctive therapies are the future of type 1 diabetes care, and I’m hopeful that our data is helping pave the way to change practice. Our work will inch the field towards the conduct of adjunctive therapy cardiovascular outcomes trials in type 1 diabetes.
What inspired you to step up as co-chair of the ECR Committee?Ìý
Finding research niche I care deeply about — improving outcomes for people with type 1 diabetes — has been one of the most rewarding things I've done in my career. That said, being an ECR can be tough. I stepped up as co-chair because I want to continue the work of committee, to help create a more sustainable and supportive research environment, where we keep talented people in the system and build each other up along the way. Plus, I've met some incredible people through the ECR network, and it's made this stage of my career so much more fun. I’m excited to work alongside co-chair Menglu Ouyang, and the other passionate ECR and steering committee members.
As an ECR, what’s been one of your biggest challenges, and how did you tackle it?Ìý
One of my biggest challenges has been balancing research, clinical work, and personal commitments. I’ve learned to be strategic — focusing on projects that align with my long-term goals. This approach protects my research time while allowing space for creative and strategic thinking. Having a supportive network has also been key. It’s a constant learning process, and I try to stay focused on the bigger picture.
What activities keep you inspired and energised?Ìý
I’m lucky to be surrounded by the incredible team that fosters a culture of learning and fun. But at the end of the day, nothing brings me more joy than coming home to my two-year old daughter and her toothy grin. I hope our research efforts will improve the health of her generation and beyond.Ìý