Academics from CQUniversity and Curtin University will work together on a collaborative study to improve control and treatment of diabetes in the Central Queensland region.

The partnership was formed from a recent Health CRN Short-Term Exchange Program where Dr Hani Al-Salami from Curtin University spent time with various research groups at CQUniversity.

Dr Hani Al-Salami has spent time at CQUniversity to develop a new study for the region. Dr Al-Salami visited facilities at CQUniversity's Rockhampton and Mackay campuses and was able to establish a research team to contribute to the study.

"The study will look at seasonal changes and the maintenance of diabetic control - taking a wholistic approach considering life-style, mental health, health economics, co-morbidities and glycemic control" Dr Al-Salami said.

"The long-term aim is to produce data that we can utilise and build on, to promote better health and quality of life of patients with diabetes."

Dr Al-Salami has spent time studying, working and teaching in New Zealand and Canada and is currently conducting important research into drug applications and cellular-trafficking in inflammatory diseases mainly diabetes.

Currently an academic at Curtin University, Dr Al-Salami has recently become an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at CQUniversity which will allow him to continue adding value to future grant applications and diabetes-based projects.

"I can see great potential in the Central Queensland region for improvement on treating diabetes," he said.

"I can recognise the level of dedication shown by everyone at CQUniversity to carry out first-class research, innovative and creative teaching models relaying on advanced technology and collaboration with others."

Dr Al-Salami thanked CQUniversity's Dean of Nursing and Midwifery Prof Ysanne Chapman, the Health CRN's Prof Sonj Hall, Prof Lynne Parkinson and John Coleman for their support during his stay.

The Health CRN is in partnership with researchers from Curtin University, Queensland University of Technology and The University of Queensland and is funded through the Australian Government's Collaborative Research Networks (CRN) Program. Visit http://www.cqu.edu.au/research/research-organisations/health-crn for more information.