PKD Partnership research grants
Could your research help shape the future for people affected by polycystic kidney disease (PKD)?
PKD is the most common inherited cause of kidney failure, yet treatment options remain limited. As part of a partnership led by Kidney Research UK and the PKD Charity, this funding call seeks to enable high-quality research that tackles the key challenges in PKD, accelerating meaningful progress for every person affected.
A new collaboration to change the future of PKD care
We encourage applications from all researchers, including allied healthcare professionals, nurses, pharmacists and psychologists, committed to advancing our understanding, diagnosis and treatment of PKD through innovative, patient-led science, as part of the PKD Partnership. This can include established PKD researchers or researchers currently working in other disease areas who have a clear focus on the underlying disease processes or associated technologies (such as inflammation, healing, fibrosis, biomarkers, imaging). Early career applications are also welcomed.
Successful applications will align with one or more strategic themes
We are seeking research proposals that align with specific areas of strategic interest and overarching goal of advancing scientific understanding and developing innovative treatments for PKD through collaborative research, cutting-edge technology and patient engagement. Successful applicants will align their research endeavours with the relevant PKD Partnership theme-specific group.
Applications demonstrating a commitment to collaboration between centres is encouraged.
Areas of strategic interest
- Biomarker and molecular insight
Identify and validate biomarkers to predict disease progression and treatment response.
- Preclinical innovation
Advance reliable experimental platforms to accelerate therapeutic discovery
- Integrated data and translational tools
Leverage large-scale data and computational methods for improved outcomes
- Personalised and preventive care strategies
Develop tailored treatments and early interventions
Types of grants available
We welcome applications for the following grant types
Research driver grants: up to £20K (1 year maximum)
To investigate new or validate existing scientific insights in PKD, including early stage and pilot studies.
Research project grants: up to £250k (3 years max)
For innovative, collaborative research projects that will advance our knowledge of PKD, refine current treatments or lead to new ones.
Intermediate non-clinical fellowships
To support post-doctoral scientists to apply their research and focus to expanding our knowledge and understanding of PKD
- Funding period: 3 years maximum
- Items of expenditure: fellow’s salary and consumables
- Annual consumables allowance: £15,000 per annum
Clinical training fellowships
To support medical graduates to specialise in the renal field thereby expanding the levels of expertise in PKD and its treatment.
- Funding period: 3 years maximum
- Items of expenditure: Fellow’s salary, higher degree fees and consumables
- Annual consumables allowance: £15,000 per annum
Maximum salary point will be ST5 doctor in training grade for the duration of the award.
PhD studentships
For research leading to a PhD, focusing on PKD.
- Funding period: over 3.5-years maximum
- Items of expenditure: student stipend, higher degree fees and consumables
- Annual consumables allowance: £5,000 annually, up to a maximum of £15,000 for the whole 3.5-year PhD project
Clinical PhD fellowship:
To support Allied Health Professionals, nurses, pharmacists and psychologists to undertake research expanding the levels of expertise in PKD and its treatment.
- Funding period: maximum of three years (part time available)
- Items of Expenditure: fellow's salary (capped at Band 8a), higher degree fees
- Annual consumables allowance: £15,000 per annum
Submitting an application
Information of eligibility, grant regulations and conditions, and opening and closing dates for submissions.
Application information
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.
All lead applicants must be resident in the United Kingdom and the research must be led from a UK establishment.
The application process is a single stage, full application submitted by the closing date.
Application key dates
Opening date: 11 August 2025
Closing date: 22 October 2025
Got a question? Get in touch.
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