Written by OneGuild

At OneGuild, we believe the greatest breakthroughs in science don’t happen in isolation — they emerge at the intersection of disciplines, perspectives, and lived experiences. That belief was central to the vision of Dr. Peter Sheehan, whose pioneering work shaped not only our mission, but the collaborative model that defines how we operate today.

From the beginning, Dr. Sheehan championed a research ecosystem where clinical, academic, and industry scientists could come together — not just to share data, but to confront urgent challenges in diabetes and related complications through open dialogue, shared purpose, and a willingness to challenge traditional silos.

One of the motivations behind this approach was simple but powerful: Too often, scientists across sectors are working on parallel problems — sometimes even similar technologies — without knowing it. When brought together, these efforts can align, strengthen, and accelerate one another in ways that siloed progress cannot.

At OneGuild, we see it happen again and again. Whether through our Innovation Summit, the Peter Sheehan Young Innovator Award, or our wider scientific network, we intentionally bring together:

• Clinicians who understand patient realities,
  
• Academic researchers pushing the boundaries of biology and systems science,
  
• Industry scientists equipped to scale discovery into real-world tools.
  

Each contributes something vital. And when they collaborate, the outcomes are not only scientifically promising — they’re more translatable, more relevant, and more responsive to real-world needs.

This cross-sector model has elevated under-recognized research, sparked new collaborations, and moved technologies forward — from novel wearables to regenerative medicine platforms. It also opens space for early-career innovators and global voices often overlooked in traditional pathways.

Because solving the hardest problems in health requires more than innovation. It requires connection and collaboration.