Original article written by Kenny Goldberg, Health Reporter, for KPBS on December 21, 2015. Click here to read the original article.

It can be tough for young scientists to get their research projects off the ground.

A group of San Diegans have launched a website called the Diabetes Research Connection aimed at making things a little easier.

The crowd-funding website provides grants of up to $50,000 to scientists who are pursuing novel approaches to finding a cure for type 1 diabetes.

Connection co-founder David Winkler said it’s important to give young researchers a financial shot in the arm.

“Some of the greatest innovations in science have come from those who were in their 20s and early 30s who have not yet been so influenced by traditional thought and theories,” Winkler said.

There are no strings attached to the grants, except that all recipients are required to publish their research on the website.

Winkler said he believes, in general, all scientific data and any conclusions drawn from it should be published.

“Even though it may not appear to be successful, it adds to the body of knowledge,” he said.

According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 1.25 million American adults and children have type 1 diabetes.

Listen to the audio clip of David Winkler’s interview HERE.