Scientists

Scientists play a vital role in advancing the understanding of kidney disease, developing new approaches to diagnosis and treatment, and translating research into improvements in patient care. UKKA membership connects you with a multidisciplinary community of clinicians, researchers and allied health professionals working together across the UK.

UKKA membership connects you with a professional network committed to improving outcomes through science and innovation. Join a growing community of scientists and access opportunities to share research, build collaborations, access specialist knowledge and contribute to national conversations about the future of kidney care.

I became a UKKA member shortly after taking my first nephrology research position as a non-clinical postdoctoral research fellow at Wales Kidney Research Unit. It was some time before I became involved with UKKA committee life. Mindful of the incredibly supportive environment I’ve encountered since, I wish I’d started much sooner.

I joined the Renal Scientists Working Party between 2013-2020, becoming Elected Renal Scientist from 2016-2020. I was then the Inaugural Chair of the UKKA Laboratory Scientists Research Committee until 2025. After joining the UK Kidney Week Programme Committee in 2022, I served as the first non-clinical science UKKW Co-Chair from 2024-2026. During that time, we launched the UKKA Stewart Cameron Lecture for Outstanding Contribution to the Basic Scientific Understanding of Kidney Disease, to increase the competitiveness of fellowship applications from early career kidney science researchers.

I would appeal to non-clinical scientists and clinician-scientist colleagues, together with all like-minded MPT colleagues, to join the UKKA and get involved as soon as possible. We are all aware of the recent hugely exciting series of breakthroughs in CKD treatment. These developments promise both continuing improvement in patient outcomes and significant advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie kidney disease.

There has never been a more important time to fight the corner of academic nephrology in the UK. The current funding issues affecting UK universities make it imperative for us to champion our cause. The most effective way to do that is by collective action, and as the UK’s leading professional body for the kidney community, the UKKA represents the ideal home to congregate, organise and act.