Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund

The Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund (NIKRF) is the leading charity funding kidney research in Northern Ireland.

  • Raise funds for life saving research into the causes, prevention and possible cures for kidney disease.

  • Provide specialised equipment for research and advances in treatment of kidney diseases not yet available from the National Health Service.
  • Be the voice for public awareness of kidney disease and its consequences.
  • Promote Organ Donation.

Patron (since 2026)

Professor Sir Michael McBride, FRCP

“I am deeply honoured to accept the role of Patron of the Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund. I am proud to support its vital work, and I look forward to helping advance research that brings hope, progress, and better outcomes for patients and families.”

Paula McIntyre

Ambassador

Chef and food writer Paula McIntyre, MBE

“I am honoured to become Ambassador for this Northern Ireland charity who play such an important part in funding the ongoing research into kidney disease. In accepting the role I am looking forward to combining my passion for cooking and food to highlight diet, which is an important ingredient in the fight against renal disease.”

Ambassador

BBC Sports presenter, Stephen Watson

“I am delighted to become a new ambassador for NIKRF & help promote the important research the charity funds to continue the fight against renal disease. As someone who has undergone two kidney transplants I know first-hand the life-changing impact of this work.”

Milestones

1971 Founded in Waringstown by the late Walter and Josephine Kerr MBE

1974 First NIKRF Clinical Research Fellowship awarded to Dr James Douglas (our Patron)

Over 2400 kidney transplants
successfully achieved

NIKRF has funded over 100 doctors, nurses and scientists

£10 million raised to date