Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund

NIKRF funds a broad range of kidney-related research themes. Priorities include the causes and management of kidney failure, transplantation science, chronic kidney disease in the community, the links between diabetes and kidney disease, post-transplant cardiovascular risks, and rare kidney conditions. Support is available for project grants, postdoctoral fellowships, clinical or laboratory posts, equipment purchases, student bursaries and arts-based interventions. The Trust is particularly interested in studies that involve patients of all ages and that translate findings into tangible improvements in renal care. All funded work is based in Northern Ireland, with the Trust often partnering with local universities, NHS renal units and research groups to strengthen the region's renal research capacity.

Applications are open to both individuals and organisations based in Northern Ireland. Eligible applicants include academic institutions, universities, NHS renal units and individual researchers. The Trust welcomes proposals from across the kidney research community, from early-career researchers to established teams, and values the involvement of people with lived experience of kidney conditions. There are no organisational income thresholds to meet; instead, projects must demonstrate a direct benefit to kidney research and patient outcomes. Unsolicited applications are accepted from within Northern Ireland, but approaches from organisations based elsewhere are not considered.

The Trust does not support general core costs or activities that fall outside the scope of kidney research. Unsolicited applications from organisations outside Northern Ireland are not accepted, reflecting the fund's exclusive focus on building renal research capacity within the region.

NIKRF provides a range of funding types, from small student bursaries to larger project grants and fellowships, and directs the vast majority of its income to research. The Trust works collaboratively with institutions and researchers, often through local partnerships, and integrates lived experience into its grant-making. It welcomes unsolicited applications from eligible Northern Ireland-based researchers and institutions, with an emphasis on evidence-based practice and clinical impact.