In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 3, 4, 7, 15, 16, 17), the UNESCO Chair on Interdisciplinary Research in Diabetes has established significant interuniversity exchanges and partnerships with national and international institutions. These collaborations have fostered a multidisciplinary approach to research, particularly in the fields of biophysics, biotechnology, and environmental health.

National Laboratory Research Network (NLRN)

1. Biophysical Chemistry Lab (BCL), Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran
   The Biophysical Chemistry Lab, a pivotal part of the National Laboratory Research Network, focuses on cutting-edge research in biochemistry and biophysics, addressing diabetes and related complications through biophysical approaches. (For more details, visit: bcl.ut.ac.ir)

2. Protein Biotechnology Research Lab (PBRL), School of Biology, University of Tehran
   Since its inception in 2006, the Protein Biotechnology Research Lab has been committed to exploring protein and peptide science and technology. Major research themes include enzyme immobilization, protein stabilization, biosensors, and catalytic transformations. The lab's ongoing projects concentrate on diseases like type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

   Director: Prof. Mehran Habibi-Rezaei (PhD)
   Website: pbrl.ut.ac.ir

   PBRL members include postdoctoral fellows, PhD students, and master’s students actively contributing to a range of publications in international journals, covering topics like protein aggregation, oxidative stress, and glycated albumin detection.

   International Collaborations:

   • Prof. Luciano Saso, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
   • Dr. Marcus Conrad, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Germany
   • Prof. Daniel E. Otzen, Aarhus University, Denmark

   These partnerships focus on molecular biology, diabetes-related diseases, and bio-therapeutics.

3. Protein Chemistry Laboratory (PCL), Shiraz University
   PCL's research is focused on the structural/functional variation of lens crystallins and human insulin, with particular attention to diabetes-related complications such as cataracts. The lab is also pioneering insulin analog development to address medical challenges related to diabetes management. A recent grant from the National Institute for Medical Research Development (NIMAD) aims to create cost-effective purification methods for liraglutide, a long-acting antidiabetic peptide.

   Director: Prof. Reza Yousefi (PhD)
   Website: shirazu.ac.ir

   Key Research Areas:

   • Mutational impact on crystallin proteins
   • Insulin analogs development
   • Liraglutide purification for diabetic treatment

These collaborations are vital in pushing the frontiers of biophysics, biotechnology, and diabetes research, contributing to global efforts towards achieving health and sustainability goals.