Kidney Research UK is now inviting applications to four funding streams supporting high-quality, patient-focused research that tackles the urgent challenges of kidney disease. These grants are part of the charity’s mission to accelerate progress, build research capacity, and drive innovation in kidney health.

Hybrid Grants

Expression of interest deadline: 11 August 2025
Their annual grants funding round funds research that prevents kidney disease, protects kidney functions, and improves treatments — with a focus on:

• Transforming treatments
• Health inequalities and multiple conditions
• The link between kidney disease and cancer

They welcome a range of applications from UK-based researchers, including start-up grants, fellowships, and studentships, with a particular interest in those beginning their research careers.

More info and application link: Kidney Research UK grants | Kidney disease research grants

Professor Michael Nicholson Awards

Final deadline: 29 September 2025
The third year of this award programme is now open, supporting excellence in transplant science. They are seeking proposals that:

• Improve long-term transplant outcomes
• Reduce the burden of immunosuppressive medications
• Increase kidney availability for transplant
• Advance machine perfusion technologies

Open to early career and senior researchers, this grant offers transplant surgeon PhD fellowships, project grants, and non-clinical studentships.

More info and application link:The Professor Michael Nicholson Awards – Kidney Research UK

Allied Health Professional and Psychologist-led Grants

Expression of interest deadline: 11 August 2025
MRes applications open 8 September – 15 October 2025

They support research led by allied health professionals and psychologists, especially early-career applicants. They’re also introducing new Master of Research (MRes) grants to support development of research skills and confidence. Applications aligning with their strategic aims – and in particular their new focus on cancer and kidney disease – are especially welcome.

More info and application link: Allied health professional and psychologists-led research grants – Kidney Research UK

Andy Cole Fund Research Grants

Deadline: 29 September 2025
This funding round supports research into the causes of kidney transplant failure and ways to prevent rejection — funded by the Andy Cole Fund, which recently passed £500,000 in donations.

Research projects, start up grants, transplant surgeon PhD fellowships and PhD studentships are all available to help change the future of transplant care.

More info and application link: The Andy Cole Fund Grant Awards – Kidney Research UK