Tim Kieffer

Tim Kieffer is a Professor in the Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences and Surgery at the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine. He leads the Diabetes Research Group and the Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, focusing on diabetes and metabolic disorders. His work bridges stem cell biology, islet transplantation, and leptin signaling.

• PhD in Physiology, University of British Columbia
• Postdoctoral Fellowship in Molecular Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School

His research explores diabetes pathophysiology, stem cell differentiation into insulin-producing cells, and leptin’s role in glucose homeostasis. Recent studies highlight encapsulated β-cell therapies and pancreatic progenitor cell morphogenesis. Publications in Nature Biotechnology, Cell Stem Cell, and Endocrine Reviews reflect his impact.

Scientific awards include:

• MSFHR Senior Scholar
• JDRF Career Development Award
• CIHR New Investigator
• Peter Wall Early Career Scholar

His lab trains graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, with ongoing recruitment for diabetes-focused research. Collaborations span institutions like Harvard, UBC, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.