Seattle, WA--Dr. Paul Robertson, Scientific Director of the Pacific Northwest Research Institute (PNRI, now PNDRI) in Seattle, has been named to the Board of Directors of the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Robertson's appointment brings to three the number of Seattle-area researchers serving in leadership positions at the largest and strongest volunteer diabetes organization in the world.

"This is great opportunity for me, and for PNRI," Robertson says. "It is chance to represent the academic scientific community in advancing the research and clinical care programs of the ADA. It also underlines PNRI's institutional commitment to grow as a comprehensive diabetes research center."

The ADA is the nation's leading nonprofit health organization providing diabetes research, information and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the Association conducts programs throughout the nation, dedicated to preventing and curing diabetes and to improving the lives of all people affected by the disease. It funds research, publishes scientific findings, provides information and other services to people with diabetes, their families, health professionals and the public. The Association is also actively involved in advocating for scientific research and for the rights of people with diabetes.

"We are delighted to have Dr. Robertson join our Board," says Richard Kahn, ADA's Chief Scientific and Medical Officer. "Robertson's long career as a leading diabetes researcher and his experience as a physician in the care and treatment of patients make him an ideal Director. He understands the full scope of the Association's mission, and he can help us ensure that we work effectively to achieve it."

Robertson was Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology at the University of Washington, and for eleven years held the Pennock Chair for Diabetes Research at the University of Minnesota. He is currently an attending physician at University of Washington and Director of Islet and Endocrine Research at Swedish Medical Center. He is also the director of a consortium of Seattle institutions engaged in the study of islet transplantation as a cure for diabetes. From 1986 to 1991, Robertson was the editor of the ADA's flagship scientific research journal, Diabetes.

Michelle Nitz-Weiss, the Executive Director of the Northwest office of the ADA, is especially pleased by Robertson's appointment. "We are glad that the Northwest will get another significant voice," Nitz-Weiss says, "the voice of the leader of its most comprehensive diabetes research institute. Robertson will provide important help in shaping ADA policy in the treatment and cure of diabetes."

As a new member of the ADA board, Robertson will join two other Seattle diabetes researchers: Steven Kahn, from the VA Puget Sound Health Care System; and Irl Hirsch, from the University of Washington Medical Center. Together, the three represent one of the most important centers of diabetes research in the world.