Meet the endocrinologists redefining the future of practice, research, and technology
The touchENDOCRINOLOGY Future Leaders 2026 have been nominated by the endocrinology community to recognize the rising stars shaping the future of research and clinical care. These clinicians, researchers and innovators are driving progress across the specialty, advancing clinical practice, challenging convention and improving patient outcomes.
New insights are added regularly, covering a broad range of subspecialties and evolving clinical scenarios. Sign up below for Free Access to the latest clinical updates in your specialty!
Georgia Colleluori
Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
Obesity
“Seeing that you can actually build something yourself through your own ideas, expertise and the methodologies you have acquired through multiple experiences is really rewarding.”
→ Read more about the future of obesity research
Hironori Bando
Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Hyogo, Japan
Pituitary Disorders
“Research experience can directly enhance the quality of clinical care and open doors to broader connections with the international scientific and medical community.”
→ Read more about the impact of research, mentorship and clinical practice
Jonathan Mertens
Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
Diabetes & Liver Disorders
“Successful treatment depends not only on understanding the disease, but also on understanding the patient behind it.”
→ Read more about driving innovation in diabetes and metabolic endocrinology
Leen Antonio
University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
Reproductive Endocrinology
“Bridging high-quality research data with meaningful clinical impact is central to the legacy I hope to leave in endocrinology.”
→ Read more about endocrine research and patient care
Maria Martinez-Cruz
Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
Cardiovascular Risk
“My mentors showed me how rewarding it is to be a physician-scientist and the positive impact we can have in the clinic and at the public health level.”
→ Read more about research, mentorship, and cardiometabolic health
Mindy Lee
Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
Pediatric Endocrinology
“The lessons I’ve learned from patients have driven me to design care models that make technology more equitable, scalable and sustainable.”
→ Read more about technology and patient care
Qilin Zhang
Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
Pituitary Disorders
“Clinical practice, research and personal development cannot be balanced by one person alone; strong, collaborative teams make it possible.”
→ Read more about advancing precision endocrinology through translational pituitary research
Rimesh Pal
Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
Bone Disorders
“A thorough history and careful head-to-toe examination remain indispensable in endocrinology and frequently provide the most important diagnostic clues.”
→ Read more about improving osteoporosis and sarcopenia care through research and clinical innovation
Rossella Cannarella
University of Catania, Catania, Italy
Reproductive Endocrinology
“I’m very passionate about this field because you can combine clinical work with research that can be life-changing for patients.”
→ Read more about the future of reproductive endocrinology
Simon Berry
University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
Diabetes
“Our research must always focus on improving the lives of people living with diabetes and reducing the burden of the disease.”
→ Read more about the future of diabetes care through technology and research
Stéfanie Parisien-La Salle
Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM), Quebec, Canada
Adrenal Disorders
“The connection between the research and the patient is what makes the work feel worthwhile.”
→ Read more about advancing the understanding of adrenal disease
Stefano Passanisi
University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetes
“Scientific knowledge and technical skills are essential, but empathy and human connection remain at the heart of pediatric care.”
→ Read more about innovation, research and compassionate care in pediatric diabetes
