Aims

In diabetic foot disease, we currently lack sufficient success in delivering the right treatment to the right person at the right time to prevent foot ulceration and amputation

In DIALECT, we will provide unique world-class interdisciplinary and intersectoral research and training to a new generation of high-achieving doctoral candidates in the areas of biomechanics, activity behaviour, sensor development, and footwear related to diabetic foot disease. A well-balanced consortium of academic, industry, healthcare and implementation partners will deliver the carefully designed DIALECT training network, comprising training through research, structured network-wide training events, intersectoral secondments and future work skills training.

DIALECT will result in a paradigm shift towards personalised medicine that goes beyond state-of-the-art (see diagram below), by achieving our aims in developing:

• a new personalised risk stratification

• new biomechanical foot models

• innovative activity and adherence profiles

• wearable technology systems for biomechanical and activity monitoring

• personalised optimised footwear intervention products

DIALECT will provide doctoral candidates with a comprehensive skillset capable of delivering high-quality scientific and industry solutions to develop into leading innovators in the European healthcare sector. After completing their project within DIALECT, doctoral candidates are highly employable and ready to engage and lead the next European generation of scientists-entrepreneurs to expedite progress in reducing the patient, societal and economic burden of diabetic foot disease.