In 2025 after years of conversations and planning, we established the PKD Partnership — a bold collaboration between PKD Charity and Kidney Research UK. It’s built on our shared determination to accelerate progress in PKD research and improve outcomes for patients and families.
By working with researchers, clinicians, patients and industry, the PKD Partnership is creating a UK-wide programme that unites scientific expertise and lived experience to develop better treatments and brighter futures.
As we move forward our grant funding activity will be delivered through grant calls made by the PKD Partnership.
We’re calling on researchers, clinicians, and early-career scientists — from both PKD and other disease areas — to join us in transforming care for people with PKD.
This first round of funding from the PKD Partnership is now open, designed to support high-quality, collaborative science that accelerates discoveries, unlocks new treatments, and offers real hope to families. Researchers whose work aligns with the biological pathways involved in PKD — such as inflammation, healing, fibrosis, or imaging technologies — are encouraged to apply. Applications from early-career researchers and allied health professionals are also welcome.
- Open for applications: 11 August 2025
- Deadline: 22 October 2025
Applications are open for a range of research funding opportunities — from pilot grants and PhD studentships to clinical and non-clinical fellowships — supporting both early-stage ideas and larger, ambitious projects aligned with our strategic priorities.
Grants range from £10,000 for early pilot studies to up to £250,000 for major research projects. Additional funding is available for fellowships and studentships.
Proposals should address one or more of the PKD Partnership’s strategic priorities:
- Biomarker and molecular insights
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 to improve outcomes.
- Personalised and preventive care strategies
Develop tailored treatments and early interventions.
Collaboration between research centres is strongly encouraged.
