Research Retreat at Holmen fjordhotell

Group photo from the ODRC 2026 Research Retreat

“After several years of one‑day seminars, it was inspiring to bring people together for a two‑day research retreat at Holmen Fjordhotell. The extended format gave us the opportunity for deeper scientific discussions and meaningful exchange across disciplines,” says Lars Christian Stene, Chair of the Oslo Diabetes Research Centre, following the seminar held at Holmen Fjordhotell, 18–20 March 2026.

The retreat opened with an open presymposium at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health marking the 25th anniversary of the MIDIA study and honouring the late Kjersti Skjold Rønningen (1959–2025). Colleagues shared scientific updates and brief reflections on her contributions to type 1 diabetes research and biobanking.

Two‑Day ODRC Research Seminar

Day 1: Focus on Insulin Resistance and Type 1 Diabetes

The main seminar began on 19 March at Holmen Fjordhotell with a session on insulin resistance and exercise, chaired by Kåre Birkeland. Keynote speaker Professor Anna Krook (Karolinska Institutet) opened the scientific programme with new insights into skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity.

Researchers from the centre presented work on type 2 diabetes in South Asians, findings from the DIASA‑Ex study, and updated national trends in glucose‑lowering medications.

A second session, chaired by Torild Skrivarhaug, highlighted type 1 diabetes screening and prevention, including a keynote from Professor Ondrej Cinek (Charles University, Prague) and updates from ODRC researchers on assays, familial screening, environmental exposures, and emerging prevention initiatives.

The afternoon concluded with a session on vascular complications, followed by the centre’s Annual General Assembly.

Day 2: Islet Biology and Life‑Course Perspectives

The final day opened with islet biology, chaired by Hanne Scholz. Keynote speaker Professor Ulf Ahlgren (Umeå University) presented novel 3D insights that challenge established models of islet structure, followed by Scholz’s update on beta‑cell replacement strategies.

The last thematic block, chaired by Archana Sharma, addressed gestational diabetes and life‑course epidemiology. Talks covered the genetics of GDM, maternal glycaemia and later cardiometabolic outcomes, the ongoing revision of GDM guidelines, and prediction models based on OGTT data. The retreat ended with closing remarks and a farewell lunch.

A Stronger Research Community

The 2026 retreat showcased the breadth of diabetes research in Norway and is expected to strengthen collaboration across research groups. The return to a two‑day format was met with enthusiasm and laid a strong foundation for future scientific initiatives.