JDRF Australia becomes Breakthrough T1D
JDRF Australia is now officially Breakthrough T1D! We are so excited for you to join the next chapter of our journey.
If you’re wondering why made this change – it’s simple. For our community.
Our organisation was established over 50 years ago, and over that time, we – and the world – have evolved. So has type 1 diabetes (T1D) science and our understandings of the condition. The word ‘juvenile’ (the ‘J’ in JDRF) was no longer in step with this. Our community members were telling us they wanted that to change, so we listened.
It’s important for our name to honour our history, while representing the entire T1D community and the ambitions of our organisation. We think Breakthrough T1D does all of that.
Our new name is being used here in Australia, as well as all around the world where we have affiliates, including in the US, the UK and Canada.
We’re the same organisation – we’ll just have a new name and look. Our vision of a world without T1D is unchanged, and our mission remains the same: to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications.
Thank you to every person who supported our organisation as JDRF Australia. Whether you fundraised, volunteered or advocated, you are the core of our progress to date. We welcome you to our new chapter as Breakthrough T1D. We sincerely hope the next evolution of our organisation will be creating a world without type 1 diabetes.
– Sydney Yovic, Breakthrough T1D CEO
We hope you feel inspired by this change and our commitment to continue working towards a world without T1D, now as Breakthrough T1D!
‘Breakthrough T1D’ resonates so strongly with me as it represents both the history of constant progress in T1D research and technology, and our vision for a future filled with more incredible breakthroughs. It reinvigorates hope in the T1D community, especially for me as an adult living with T1D.
– Casey, Breakthrough T1D advocate
I believe Breakthrough T1D is a wonderful name for a T1D organisation focusing on research. Currently there is no cure and consequently children become adults living with T1D. For myself, diagnosed at 44 years old, the new name is extremely relevant, and to others diagnosed as adults.
– Margaret, aged 70, Breakthrough T1D advocate
After living with T1D for over 20 years, it’s no longer juvenile diabetes; it’s simply type 1 diabetes. The name should reflect all ages and stages of this challenging chronic illness, which is often misunderstood and relentlessly affects the person. ‘Breakthrough T1D’ fits. I look forward to seeing breakthroughs in T1D research and continuing to advocate for all those affected.
– Hayden, aged 22, Breakthrough T1D advocate
Frequently asked questions
What’s changing?
JDRF Australia is now Breakthrough T1D. Our name and logo have changed, and we have some new brand colours, too.
What’s not changing?
Our vision of a world without T1D remains. Our mission stays the same, too: to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat T1D and its complications.
Why are the changes being made?
Our organisation has had an established brand for over 50 years. Over that time, we – and the world – have evolved. So has T1D science and our understanding of it.
Type 1 diabetes was once often called “juvenile diabetes”, which is where we got our name, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). But we know that the condition doesn’t just affect children, and that it can be diagnosed at any age. Research has shown us that the JDRF brand, and especially its name, no longer resonates with our T1D community members and potential supporters.
Why did JDRF Australia wait to change its name?
You have may noticed that other JDRF organisations around the world, including JDRF in the United States, changed their name to Breakthrough T1D earlier than we did. In Australia, our organisation had a very big 2024, with vital research projects and a significant advocacy campaign in train. We wanted to ensure we made the change at a time that made sense for us.
How and why was the new name chosen?
We undertook a lengthy consultation process and gathered feedback from the T1D community to decide on our new name.
A “breakthrough” is a scientific discovery in research. It also signifies our ability to break through barriers, advance progress and move the entire T1D community forward – which is exactly what we aim to achieve.
The name ‘Breakthrough T1D’ invites all audiences to progress together. It promises impacts large and small, from scientific breakthroughs and advocacy wins, to breaking through everyday obstacles.
Where can I go for more info?
For further enquiries, email info@BreakthroughT1D.org.au.
