The #dedoc° voices scholarship program grants diabetes advocates access to some of the world’s most renowned scientific conferences. As a #dedoc° voice, you will be able to attend scientific conferences that are not usually accessible to people with diabetes. If your application is successful, you will receive a (virtual or on-site) scholarship to a specific conference in order to participate in scientific sessions and industry symposia. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the latest developments in diabetes treatment and scientific findings in diabetes research. There will be ample opportunity to network and connect with HCPs, industry and the diabetes research community. Most importantly, you will join a powerful network of like-minded peers who mentor and support each others’ advocacy work.

You commit to attending the conference, as well as the corresponding #dedoc° events (such as warm-up events, networking events and workshops) and to curate, translate and report relevant information to your community. This is what we call #PayItForward.

#PayItForward is the motto of the #dedoc° voices network. It is an expression that is used when the recipient of an act of kindness does something kind for someone else rather than simply accepting or repaying the original good deed. Translated to the #dedoc° voices, this means that we expect you to pass your learnings from the program on to your community: please translate and curate whatever you consider relevant – in your very own special way.

We trust that you will find your own way of paying it forward to your community. Here are a few examples:

• Share impressions & learnings from the conference in real-time on social media

• Write blog posts about the conference you attended

• Film videos about your experiences

• Record a podcast

• Give a presentation at your local peer support group

• And many more!

We believe in #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs – and this includes scientific conferences. The #dedoc° voices scholarship program ensures the presence of the voice of people with diabetes at some of the world’s most renowned scientific conferences, empowers a new generation of advocates and provides a dedicated platform for people with diabetes, healthcare providers and industry leaders to meet and exchange. The social media presence of the #dedoc° voices creates value for conference organisers, partners and the global diabetes community alike.

The application process is very straightforward. You can apply through our application form where we ask only three questions:

1. Who are you, and why do you want to become a #dedoc° voice?

2. Which sessions and symposia would you like to attend, and why

3. How will you report back to your community and #PayItForward?

Applications are reviewed by a group of experienced #dedoc° advocates in a spirit of fairness and equal access. Decisions are based on individual profile, personal motivation, age and gender balance, and regional distribution. #dedoc° strives to be inclusive and diverse, to empower advocates with all types of diabetes, as well as minoritised communities, people of colour and advocates from countries where access is a challenge – and to bring these voices to the forefront of everything we do.

We only have few prerequisites for application:

• Applicants must either have diabetes themselves or identify as a Type F, meaning friend, family or in other close relation to a person living with diabetes. It does not matter which type of diabetes you have or how long you have had it for.

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.

• Applicants must be fluent in English to attend international conferences.

Any diabetes advocate can apply – and we consider you a diabetes advocate if you contribute to the diabetes community in your own personal way. Regardless of where you are in your advocacy journey, we encourage you to apply. There are no minimum requirements regarding social media presences and activity.

If your application is successful, you will be able to connect with seasoned advocates as well as those who are just starting out. You become part of a network of peers who learn from and support each other.

The #dedoc° voices scholarship program is designed for advocates, not healthcare professionals (HCPs). HCPs will only be admitted in rare exceptional cases. If you are both a diabetes advocate and a HCP, please state this in your application and explicitly explain your motivation.

If you are already going to the conference, already have accommodation or are already invited by industry, but you still want to become a #dedoc° voice: please apply too! Make sure to mention the details in your application.

Yes. There are only a limited number of scholarships for each conference. While successful applicants will be given a permanent spot in the wider #dedoc° voices network, you will have to apply for each conference again. This is now possible through our yearly Alumni Application in November.

The #dedoc° voices scholarship covers conference registration and, in the case of in-person attendance, travel and accommodation costs. #dedoc° will take care of hotel bookings and your travel itinerary. Additionally, we will reimburse your visa cost after the conference. If you are not able to pay for your visa in advance, please get in touch with us and we will find a way to support you.

Please note that not all meals will be covered during your stay. Some conferences offer free lunch bags and there will be a number of evening events including dinner. Please be prepared to cover most of your meals on your own.

Please let us know as soon as possible if you are unable to purchase meals on your own or need other financial assistance for your conference participation. We are happy to support you!

If you need additional support before or during your participation, please reach out to us and let us know how we can support you.

The #dedoc° voices scholarship program was initiated by #dedoc°, an international community by and for people with diabetes, founded in 2012 by Bastian Hauck. Since 2020, #dedoc° has awarded more than 250 scholarships to outstanding diabetes advocates from more than 40 countries.

Funding for the #dedoc° voices scholarship program is derived from industry partners. These companies contribute to the program because they wish to engage with leading diabetes advocates in a compliant way. They do so through a non-commercial, non-exclusive multi-sponsorship approach to ensure the highest degree of independence, transparency and credibility for the patient voice.

Your email address will be used internally for us to contact you in regards to the #dedoc° voices program. With your permission, we will also add your data to our #dedoc° voicebook which will be distributed within our network and among our partners. If you don’t consent, we will not share any of your personal information outside of the #dedoc° team.