{"id":158,"date":"2018-11-19T15:33:02","date_gmt":"2018-11-19T15:33:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kidneyresearchuk.org\/?page_id=158"},"modified":"2025-11-03T12:02:53","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T12:02:53","slug":"research-grants","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.kidneyresearchuk.org\/research\/research-grants\/","title":{"rendered":"Kidney research grants"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\t

Our research grants<\/h1>\nWe’re the leading charity in the UK focused on funding research into the prevention, treatment and management of kidney disease. We work with clinicians and scientists across the UK, funding
\nand facilitating research into all areas of kidney disease.\n

Find out about the different research grants we have available in the table below, and information on how to apply to for a grant.<\/p>\n\t

Types of kidney research grants<\/h2>\n

Dates may be subject to slight change up to the actual round opening. If you have any questions please get in touch<\/a>\u00a0before you apply so we can provide advice that may be helpful.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tResearch project and start-up awards\n\t\t\t\tCareer development\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tResearch project and start-up awards\n\t\t\t\t\tPaediatric and rare disease research grants

Opening date:<\/b> 30 April 2025Closing date:<\/b> 18 June 2025<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Do you want to transform the future of paediatric or rare kidney disease?<\/p>\n

We are offering funding opportunities\u00a0for researchers dedicated to advancing our understanding, diagnosis, or treatment of paediatric and rare kidney conditions<\/p>\n

Help us drive forward progress for patients with the highest unmet needs.<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tHealthcare professional pharmacist-led research

Opening date:<\/b> 26 May 2025Closing date:<\/b> 25 June 2025<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Are you a pharmacist working in renal medicine?\u00a0Are you wanting to undertake a higher degree or a project that requires funding?<\/p>\n

We are inviting applications from early career pharmacists looking to undertake a renal research study,\u00a0develop their research skills and career, as well as from experienced research pharmacists seeking funding for projects that aim to make a significant impact on patient outcomes<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tHealthcare professional nurse-led research

Opening date:<\/b> 26 May 2025Closing date:<\/b> 25 June 2025<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Are you a nurse working in renal medicine?\u00a0 Are you wanting to undertake a higher degree or a project that requires funding?<\/p>\n

In partnership with Alder Hey Children’s Kidney Fund, Northern Counties Kidney Research and ANNUK, we are providing dedicated funding and support to help renal nurses develop their research skills and lead research projects.<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tAlport Research Hub project grant

Opening date:<\/b> 30 May 2025Closing date:<\/b> 27 August 2025<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Do you have an interest in Alport syndrome?<\/p>\n

A specific call for a research project grant to transform the diagnosis and treatment of Alport syndrome.<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tAllied health professional and psychologist-led research

Opening date:<\/b> 30 June 2025Closing date:<\/b> 11 August 2025<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Are you an allied health professional or psychologist working in renal care?<\/p>\n

Do you want to undertake a research project or higher degree that needs funding?<\/p>\n

We are seeking applications from AHPs and psychologists who are passionate about improving the lives of people with kidney disease.<\/p>\n

Whether you’re looking for a fellowship (full or part-time) to carry out a renal research study, or you’re an experienced clinician seeking research funding to drive change in practice and outcomes, we want to hear from you.<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tMain hybrid grants round

Opening date:<\/b> 30 June 2025Closing date:<\/b> 11 August 2025<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Funds innovative standalone research projects that will advance our knowledge of kidney disease and refine current treatments or lead to new ones.<\/p>\n

The maximum Research Project Grant available is \u00a3250,000 and may be spread over a two or three-year period.<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tThe Professor Michael Nicholson Awards

Opening date:<\/b> 30 June 2025Closing date:<\/b> 29 September 2025<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

The third of a three-year programme of awards, we are seeking applications from UK-based researchers to drive innovation and build expertise and capacity in kidney transplant science.<\/p>\n

Grants available include standalone research projects and startup grants, senior fellowship, transplant surgeon PhD fellowships and PhD studentships to help drive innovations in transplant science.<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tThe Andy Cole Fund Grant Awards

Opening date:<\/b> 30 June 2025Closing date:<\/b> 29 September 2025<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

The second year of awards, we are seeking applications from UK-based researchers to drive change for the future of transplant care.<\/p>\n

Types of grants available: include research projects and start-up grants, transplant surgeon PhD fellowships and PhD studentships.<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tPKD Partnership research grants

Opening date:<\/b> 11 August 2025Closing date:<\/b> 22 October 2025<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Could your research help shape the future for people affected by polycystic kidney disease (PKD)?<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tTranslation Accelerator Kidney Awards

Opening date:<\/b> 1 October 2025Closing date:<\/b> 31 October 2025<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

The new Translation Accelerator Kidney Award Scheme (TAKA) will provide funding and support to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into new, effective solutions to help prevent, protect and treat kidney disease.<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tBritish Heart Foundation (BHF) Data Science Centre Kidney Catalyst funding call

Opening date:<\/b> 6 January 2025Closing date:<\/b> 31 January 2025<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

The British Heart Foundation (BHF)\u00a0Data Science Centre, led by Health Data Research UK, and in partnership with Kidney Research UK has launched a funding call to support new kidney disease-related projects which address kidney disease, cardiovascular health, and COVID-19.<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tNIHR Devices for Dignity and Kidney Research UK – Translational MedTech Grant

Opening date:<\/b> TBC Closing date:<\/b> TBC<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

A joint competition between\u00a0 Devices for Dignity, NIHR HealthTech Research Centre for Long-Term Conditions (D4D) and Kidney Research UK.<\/p>\n

The competition will fund innovative projects in the MedTech sector that focus on the rapid translation of scientific discoveries into clinical applications with a clear benefit for patients with renal disease.<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCareer development\n\t\t\t\t\tPaediatric and rare disease research grants

Opening date:<\/b> 30 April 2025Closing date:<\/b> 18 June 2025<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Do you want to transform the future of paediatric or rare kidney disease?<\/p>\n

We are offering funding opportunities\u00a0for researchers dedicated to advancing our understanding, diagnosis, or treatment of paediatric and rare kidney conditions<\/p>\n

Help us drive forward progress for patients with the highest unmet needs.<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tThe LifeArc-Kidney Research UK paediatric nephrology clinical research fellowship

Opening date:<\/b> 13 May 2025Closing date:<\/b> 20 June 2025<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

An exciting opportunity to be involved in the exciting research being undertaken within the LifeArc-Kidney Research UK Centre for Rare Kidney Diseases.<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tHealthcare professional pharmacist-led research

Opening date:<\/b> 26 May 2025Closing date:<\/b> 25 June 2025<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Are you a pharmacist working in renal medicine?\u00a0Are you wanting to undertake a higher degree or a project that requires funding?<\/p>\n

We are inviting applications from early career pharmacists looking to undertake a renal research study,\u00a0develop their research skills and career, as well as from experienced research pharmacists seeking funding for projects that aim to make a significant impact on patient outcomes<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tHealthcare professional nurse-led research

Opening date:<\/b> 26 May 2025Closing date:<\/b> 25 June 2025<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Are you a nurse working in renal medicine? Are you wanting to undertake a higher degree or a project that requires funding?<\/p>\n

In partnership with Alder Hey Children’s Kidney Fund, Northern Counties Kidney Research and ANNUK, we are providing dedicated funding and support to help renal nurses develop their research skills and lead research projects.<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tThe Professor Michael Nicholson Awards

Opening date:<\/b> 30 June 2025Closing date:<\/b> 29 September 2025<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

The third of a three-year programme of awards, we are seeking applications from UK-based researchers to drive innovation and build expertise and capacity in kidney transplant science.<\/p>\n

Grants available include standalone research projects and startup grants, senior fellowship, transplant surgeon PhD fellowships and PhD studentships to help drive innovations in transplant science.<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tThe Andy Cole Fund Grant Awards

Opening date:<\/b> 30 June 2025Closing date:<\/b> 29 September 2025<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

The second year of awards, we are seeking applications from UK-based researchers to drive change for the future of transplant care.<\/p>\n

Types of grants available: include research projects and start-up grants, transplant surgeon PhD fellowships and PhD studentships.<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tAllied health professional and psychologist-led research

Opening date:<\/b> 30 June 2025Closing date:<\/b> 11 August 2025<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Are you an allied health professional or psychologist working in renal care?<\/p>\n

Do you want to undertake a research project or higher degree that needs funding?<\/p>\n

We are seeking applications from AHPs and psychologists who are passionate about improving the lives of people with kidney disease.<\/p>\n

Whether you’re looking for a fellowship (full or part-time) to carry out a renal research study, or you’re an experienced clinician seeking research funding to drive change in practice and outcomes, we want to hear from you.<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tSenior Fellowships (non-clinical): Main hybrid grants round

Opening date:<\/b> 30 June 2025Closing date:<\/b> 11 August 2025<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Supports non-clinical scientists who have conducted independent research in the renal field and wish to build on their history and reputation in this field, deepening their knowledge and experience.<\/p>\n

The Fellow’s salary is based on the University or Institute Scale,\u00a0a\u00a0consumables allowance\u00a0of \u00a324,000 per annum.<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tPhD Studentships (non-clinical): Main hybrid grants round

Opening date:<\/b> 30 June 2025Closing date:<\/b> 11 August 2025<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

PhD Studentships are available to any UK higher education institute, for research studentships leading to PhD, within the renal community.<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tIntermediate Fellowships (non-clinical): Main hybrid grants round

Opening date:<\/b> 30 June 2025Closing date:<\/b> 11 August 2025<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Supports experienced post-doctoral scientists to specialise in the renal field so expanding the levels of expertise in kidney research.<\/p>\n

The purpose of the award is to enable a post-doctoral scientist to specialise in renal research.<\/p>\n

Intermediate Fellowship: The Fellow’s salary\u00a0and a\u00a0consumables allowance\u00a0of \u00a315,000 per annum.<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tTraining Fellowships (clinical): Main hybrid grants round

Opening date:<\/b> 30 June 2025Closing date:<\/b> 11 August 2025<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Supports medical graduates to specialise in the renal field thereby expanding the levels of expertise in kidney research and treatment.<\/p>\n

The purpose of the award is to enable medical graduates to gain specialised training in renal research.<\/p>\n

Training Fellowship: The Fellow’s salary, higher degree tuition fees and a consumables allowance of \u00a315,000 per annum.<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tHealthcare professional pharmacist-led master of research

Opening date:<\/b> 23 July 2025Closing date:<\/b> 27 August 2025<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Are you a pharmacist working in renal medicine?<\/p>\n

We are inviting applications for a MRes grant to help pharmacists engage with research early in their careers and build confidence and skills in research methods.<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tHealthcare professional nurse-led master of research

Opening date:<\/b> 23 July 2025Closing date:<\/b> 27 August2025<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Are you a nurse working in renal medicine?<\/p>\n

In partnership with Alder Hey Children’s Kidney Fund, Northern Counties Kidney Research and ANNUK, we are providing dedicated funding for an MRes grant to help nurses engage with research early in their careers and build confidence and skills in research methods.<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tPKD Partnership research grants

Opening date:<\/b> 11 August 2025Closing date:<\/b> 22 October 2025<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Could your research help\u00a0shape the future for people affected by polycystic kidney disease (PKD)?<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tAllied health professional and psychologist-led master of research

Opening date:<\/b> 8 Sept 2025Closing date:<\/b> 15 Oct2025<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Are you an allied health professional or psychologist working in renal care?<\/p>\n

We are seeking applications from AHPs and psychologists for an MRes grant to help\u00a0AHPs and psychologists\u00a0engage with research early in their careers and build confidence and skills in research methods.<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tNIHR Devices for Dignity and Kidney Research UK Translational MedTech Grant

Opening date:<\/b> TBCClosing date:<\/b> TBC<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

A joint competition between Devices for Dignity, NIHR HealthTech Research Centre for Long-Term Conditions (D4D) and Kidney Research UK.<\/p>\n

The competition will fund innovative projects in the MedTech sector that focus on the rapid translation of scientific discoveries into clinical applications with a clear benefit for patients with renal disease.<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tJoint HDR UK and Kidney Research UK masters scholarship funding

Opening date:<\/b> Now openClosing date:<\/b> See the HDR UK website for full details<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Supports MSc scholars, with an interest in kidney disease, to carry out real-world health data research.<\/strong><\/p>\n

We encourage applications from students who have been accepted on relevant UK university master’s courses. Candidates will be awarded after an aptitude test, followed by an interview. MSc studies will commence in September.<\/p>\n

Apply via HDR UK<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tJoint Daphne Jackson Trust and Kidney Research UK fellowship

Opening date:<\/b> 5 November 2024 – Now open Closing date:<\/b> 28 February 2025<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Daphne Jackson Fellowships<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Daphne Jackson Trust is dedicated to returning researchers following a career break for a family, caring or health reason.<\/p>\n

Daphne Jackson Fellowships are unique – they offer professionals wishing to return to a research career after a break of two or more years, the opportunity to balance an individually tailored retraining programme with a challenging research project in a suitably supportive environment. The unparalleled support offered by the Trust’s Fellowship advisors and administrative staff, coupled with mentoring and retraining provided during the Fellowship, give returners the confidence and skills they need to successfully return to research.<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/a> about the eligibility criteria and application process.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tJoint MRC and Kidney Research UK clinical research training fellowship

Opening date:<\/b> Now openClosing date:<\/b> See the UKRI\/MRC website for full details<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Supports medical graduates to specialise in the renal field thereby expanding the levels of expertise in kidney research and treatment.<\/p>\n

Appropriate for medical graduates in clinical or academic renal medicine and are only awarded after interview of short-listed candidates. These are offered as part of the main triannual MRC fellowship rounds.<\/p>\n

Apply via MRC<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tJoint MRC and Kidney Research UK Professor David Kerr Clinician Scientist Fellowship

Opening date:<\/b> Now openClosing date:<\/b> See the UKRI\/MRC website for full details<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

This award supports clinicians who have already attained a higher degree and who wish to pursue further their research into kidney disease and awards will be jointly funded by the MRC and Kidney Research UK.<\/p>\n

Apply via MRC<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tJoint MRC and Kidney Research UK career development award (non-clinical academics)

Opening date:<\/b> Now openClosing date:<\/b> See the UKRI\/MRC website for full details<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

This award supports non-clinical researchers who have already attained a higher degree and who wish to pursue further their research into kidney disease and research independence, awards will be jointly funded by the MRC and Kidney Research UK.<\/p>\n

Apply via MRC<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tJoint NIHR-Kidney Research UK Fellowships (PCAF, DCAF and ACAF)

Opening date:<\/b> Now openClosing date:<\/b> See NIHR website for full details<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Visit NIHR<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tJoint International Society of Nephrology and Kidney Research UK Fellowship

Opening date:<\/b> We are planning when we can restart our joint fundingClosing date:<\/b> To be confirmed<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Supports overseas clinicians, applying via the normal ISN fellowship program<\/a> to come to the UK for a one-year fellowship to gain experience in clinical nephrology and kidney research in a UK establishment.<\/p>\n

Apply via ISN<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tJoint Chief Scientist Office, Scotland and Kidney Research UK fellowship

Opening date:<\/b> We are planning when we can restart our joint fundingClosing date:<\/b> To be confirmed<\/p><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Supports a post-doctoral post for a non-clinical scientist for three years – based in Scotland.<\/p>\n

Apply via CSO<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t

How to apply for a research grant<\/h2>\n

Applying for a grant can sometimes be confusing and difficult. We have tried to make our application process as easy as possible.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Melissa

Our rounds have an initial phase with an expression of interest. Those shortlisted will be invited to complete a more detailed full application.<\/p>\n

By exception, our Professor Michael Nicholson Awards and our Alport Research Hub Project, are single phase as full application.<\/p>\n

Patients continue to be involved in our grants review process.<\/p>\n