Joachim Størling

Joachim Størling is an Affiliated Associate Professor at the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, and a Senior Researcher and Team Leader at the Department of T1D Biology, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen. His research focuses on advancing understanding of type 1 diabetes pathophysiology, particularly beta-cell destruction mechanisms and therapeutic interventions to preserve insulin production.

His educational background includes:

• PhD in Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen (2005)
• MSc in Biology, University of Copenhagen (2001)
• BSc in Molecular Biology, Roskilde University (1998)

Størling's research centers on three interconnected areas: functional genomics to identify causal type 1 diabetes genes operating in beta-cells; deciphering pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling in beta-cell apoptosis; and exploring incretin hormone biology (GLP-1/GIP) for beta-cell protection. His translational approach combines clinical samples, human islets, and animal models to bridge molecular mechanisms with therapeutic applications.

Recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate a strong clinical-molecular synergy, with emphasis on incretin-based therapies (liraglutide, GIP), time-restricted eating interventions, and probiotic approaches. These studies consistently target beta-cell preservation in type 1 diabetes while exploring biomarkers for disease progression and remission.

His scientific awards include:

• Rising Star Award, University Hospital Herlev (2014)
• Postdoc Award, Independent Research Fund Denmark (2006)

Størling has secured over 13 million DKK in research funding as principal investigator, including two major Independent Research Fund Denmark grants (2013, 2017). He serves as a reviewer for leading journals (The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, Diabetologia) and international grant agencies (JDRF, Diabetes UK), and co-founded the CPH-DIRECT diabetes research consortium.

He leads a dedicated research team at Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen focusing on beta-cell biology in type 1 diabetes, with active participation in national and international collaborative networks exploring diabetes pathophysiology and therapeutic innovation.