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Funding call for research into Alport syndrome

The diagnosis and treatment of Alport syndrome have improved in the last decade. However, more progress is urgently needed.

In partnership with the Stoneygate Trust, Kidney Research UK have established a UK hub for Alport syndrome research dedicated to the study and treatment of Alport syndrome. 

About the Stoneygate and Kidney Research UK Alport Research Hub

The hub aims to:

  • accelerate research
  • transform early diagnosis
  • develop specific treatments for the disease.

The funders expect to enhance the existing collaborative network and raise the profile of Alport research within the UK and internationally. 

This UK hub encompasses a physical hub with in-vitro and ex-vivo methodologies, a virtual hub of patients with abnormal Alport genes and three funded projects exploring biomarkers for disease progression and increased susceptibility to kidney damage.

It is led by Professor Rachel Lennon from the University of Manchester, in collaboration with Professor Daniel Gale from University College London and Professor Neil Turner from the University of Edinburgh. The third project awarded in the first funding call is led by Dr Kenton Arkill from the University of Nottingham. 

We are optimistic that results and transformative treatments could begin to emerge from the hub and linked projects within the next five years. 

Can your research transform Alport syndrome?

Your idea may be the next research project to align with the UK Hub. Your research would be funded as the next exciting project and led by you, from your institution whilst being collaboratively linked with the UK hub. 

In the lab at the Alport Research Hub
  • We are now seeking applications from UK-based researchers who can help us achieve these goals. 
  • Do you have an interest in Alport syndrome and would your research have the potential to help our understanding and transform the outcomes for Alport patients?    
  • Alport syndrome can affect hearing and sight, as well as causing kidney problems. This third call is seeking research ideas that could help us understand more about one or more of these problems. 
  • You may be already planning or carrying out research into Alport syndrome or your research may support and be translatable to Alport syndrome. 

 

Submitting an application

We welcome applications for a research project for up to £250k over a maximum of three years. 

All submissions to this call will be subject to expert review involving members of our research grants committee and lay advisory group and both scientific and lay external reviewers. Information about the expert review process.

All lead applicants must be resident in the United Kingdom and the research must be led from a UK establishment, although we encourage international collaboration on applications.

It would be helpful for applicants to contact rachel.lennon@manchester.ac.uk at the Hub for an initial discussion prior to submitting an application.

Opens for applications: 30 May 2025

Closing date: 27 August 2025

Apply now

If you have a question or would like further information contact:

Elaine Davies: 01733 367 835

Grants@kidneyresearchuk.org

Researchers in the lab with imaging machine

What difference can our funding make to you?

"Our funding from Kidney Research in partnership with the Stoneygate Trust alongside the Alport Hub’s expertise, collaboration and resources have allowed us to address the right questions efficiently with our novel technique, giving us confidence that any success will be utilised quickly for patient benefit."
Dr Kenton Arkil

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