Professor Shivani Sharma has been selected to deliver the Donna Lamping MDT Researcher Award lecture at UK Kidney Week 2026, recognising her internationally influential work on health equity and inclusive research in kidney disease. 

The Donna Lamping MDT Researcher Award was established to celebrate the impact of multi-professional research in improving kidney care and patient experience. It reflects the legacy of Professor Donna Lamping, whose work transformed how health, quality of life and the behavioural impact of chronic illness are understood and measured, particularly for people living with chronic kidney disease. 

Historically associated with research that bridges disciplines and places patient experience at its centre, the Donna Lamping Award recognises individuals whose work has strengthened kidney care through inclusive research practice, collaboration across professional groups and real-world impact. 

Professor Sharma is Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) at Aston University and Professor at Aston Business School. A psychologist by background, her research focuses on the social and structural determinants of health in long-term and multiple long-term conditions, including kidney disease. 

Her work examines how organisational, systemic and structural factors shape access to care, patient experience and outcomes. Through this lens, she has contributed to reshaping research practice in kidney care, emphasising the importance of inclusive, multi-professional research approaches that better reflect the realities of people living with kidney disease. 

Working with multidisciplinary teams in the UK and internationally, Professor Sharma has contributed to more than £21 million in research funding focused on addressing health inequalities and improving care for people with long-term conditions. 

Alongside her research, Professor Sharma has held a range of senior academic leadership roles, including Head of Department, Associate Dean and Executive Lead for Equality and Widening Participation. Across these roles, she has focused on strengthening research culture, improving access and progression within academic careers, and embedding inclusion within institutional research strategy and governance. 

Her leadership has centred on creating research environments that support rigorous, collaborative and inclusive research, ensuring that evidence is translated into practice in ways that improve care and reduce inequality. 

Professor Sharma’s selection to deliver the Donna Lamping Award lecture reflects the values the award represents: multi-professional research excellence, a focus on patient experience, and a sustained commitment to improving kidney care through inclusive and collaborative approaches. 

The Donna Lamping MDT Researcher Award lecture will be delivered in person during the morning plenary at UK Kidney Week 2026, taking place at 8:30 am on Wednesday 11 March 2026 in Harrogate.