Nine new Honorary Members of the UK Kidney Association were formally conferred at the Association’s Annual General Meeting last week, recognising exceptional and sustained contributions to kidney care, research, education and the wider professional community.
Honorary Membership is reserved for individuals of distinction who have made a significant impact on the UKKA or the broader kidney community. Nominations are submitted by members and elected by the membership, with recipients granted lifetime UKKA membership.
The 2026 Honorary Members are:
- Caroline Ashley
- Professor Jonathan Barratt
- Professor Paul Cockwell
- Dr Jan Dudley
- Aileen Dunleavy
- Professor Jill Norman
- Professor Manish Sinha
- Professor Maarten Taal
- Professor Gavin Welsh
This year’s cohort reflects the breadth of the UK kidney community, spanning clinical leadership, research, education, registry development and professional collaboration. Several recipients have played a central role in shaping the UKKA itself.
Professor Paul Cockwell, a former UKKA President, has made a sustained contribution to national leadership and strategic direction. Professor Maarten Taal has been instrumental in bringing the community together through his work across the UKKA and international kidney research. Others have had a significant impact on national data, audit and service improvement.
Professor Manish Sinha and Dr Jan Dudley have both contributed to paediatric nephrology leadership and the development of registry and audit work, helping to strengthen evidence-based care for children and young people.
Professor Jonathan Barratt is internationally recognised for his work in glomerular disease, particularly IgA nephropathy, advancing both research and clinical understanding in this field.
Across pharmacy and the wider multi-professional team, Aileen Dunleavy and Caroline Ashley have made a major contribution to renal pharmacy practice and education. As long-standing editors of the Renal Drug Handbook and Renal Drug Database, they have helped establish core reference resources used across UK kidney services and internationally, alongside their leadership within the UK Renal Pharmacy Group. Their contributions reflect the UKKA’s growing multi-professional membership.
Professor Jill Norman and Professor Gavin Welsh have also made wide-ranging contributions across research, education and professional leadership, supporting the development of the UK kidney workforce and academic community.
Collectively, these individuals have shaped services, influenced national and international practice, and strengthened collaboration across the kidney community.
More information on Honorary Membership and the full list of recipients is available here.