Kidney Research UK is the United Kingdom’s leading charity dedicated to funding research into the prevention, treatment and management of kidney disease. The organisation supports scientists, clinicians and healthcare professionals working to prevent kidney disease, protect kidney function and develop safer, more effective treatments.
History and Background
Kidney Research UK was established in 1961 and celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2021. Formerly known as the National Kidney Research Fund, it has supported research that has contributed to advances in dialysis, transplantation, anaemia treatment, genetics and kidney disease management.
The organisation is registered as a charity in England and Wales and Scotland. It is also incorporated as a private company limited by guarantee without share capital.
Mission and Purpose
Kidney Research UK aims to end kidney disease by accelerating scientific discovery and translating research into practical benefits for patients.
Its research strategy focuses on three major priorities:
- Preventing kidney disease and identifying people at risk
- Protecting kidney function by detecting and slowing disease progression
- Transforming treatments for people living with kidney failure
The charity also campaigns for improved kidney services, greater public awareness and stronger government investment in kidney research.
Governance and Structure
Kidney Research UK is governed by a Board of Trustees responsible for strategy, financial oversight, risk management and research-funding decisions.
Matthew Newcombe-Ellis serves as Chair of Trustees, while Sandra Currie OBE is the charity’s Chief Executive. The executive team also includes leadership for research, operations, fundraising, engagement and policy.
Research applications undergo scientific review and patient or public review. Funding recommendations are considered by specialist committees and require endorsement from the Board of Trustees.
Funding and Research Grants
Kidney Research UK finances its charitable activities through:
- Individual donations
- Gifts in wills and legacies
- Charitable trusts and foundations
- Corporate partnerships
- Fundraising events
- Regular giving and lottery income
- Grants and collaborative partnerships
- Investment and trading income
During 2024–25, the charity reported total income of approximately £14.5 million. Legacies contributed around £5.7 million, donations and appeals generated approximately £3.4 million, and charitable grants and partnerships contributed about £3.8 million.
The charity supports several forms of kidney research funding, including:
- Research project grants
- Start-up grants
- PhD studentships
- Clinical training fellowships
- Intermediate and senior fellowships
- Allied health professional research
- Nursing and pharmacy research
- Translational research funding
- Specialist grants for rare and paediatric kidney diseases
Research project grants may provide up to £300,000 over three years, depending on the funding round.
Major Programs and Initiatives
The Translation Accelerator Kidney Award Scheme helps researchers move promising scientific discoveries toward treatments, diagnostic tools and practical patient benefits.
The NURTuRE biobank connects biological samples with clinical information from people living with chronic kidney disease and nephrotic syndrome. It provides researchers with an important resource for understanding disease progression and developing personalised treatments.
The charity also operates research networks, supports the UK Kidney Research Consortium and works with universities, hospitals, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical organisations and other charities.
Through Kidney Voices for Research, patients and families can contribute to research design, funding decisions and study participation. In 2024–25, approximately 3,000 members received information about more than 150 opportunities to participate in or shape research.
Kidney Research UK also supports the Andy Cole Fund, which focuses on transplantation and the mental health effects of kidney disease.
Impact and Examples of Funded Work
Kidney Research UK invested more than £11 million in research during 2024–25, supporting 128 active studies and awarding 37 new research grants.
Examples of its long-term research impact include:
- Supporting research by Sir Peter Ratcliffe into how cells respond to oxygen, which contributed to advances in treating anaemia and later received international scientific recognition.
- Facilitating the PIVOTAL clinical trial, which improved evidence on iron treatment for people receiving haemodialysis.
- Supporting normothermic perfusion research designed to repair and assess donated kidneys before transplantation.
- Funding early genetic research that contributed to identifying the PKD1 gene associated with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.
- Developing NURTuRE, the first major UK kidney biobank linking patient samples with clinical information.
The charity also funds research into kidney fibrosis, dialysis, transplantation, rare kidney diseases, kidney cancer, drug-related kidney damage, health inequalities and the mental health consequences of living with kidney disease.
Conclusion
Kidney Research UK is a major medical research charity supporting scientific discovery, clinical innovation and improved kidney care across the United Kingdom.
Through research grants, fellowships, patient involvement, professional networks, public education and policy advocacy, the organisation works to prevent kidney disease, protect kidney function and transform treatment. Its funding has contributed to important developments in dialysis, transplantation, genetics, anaemia treatment and personalised kidney medicine.
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