The Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund (NIKRF), in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast and the LifeArc Centre for the Acceleration of Rare Disease Trials, is delighted to invite patients, families, healthcare professionals, researchers, supporters and members of the wider community to attend Kidney Connections: An Open Night.

Taking place on Wednesday 17 June 2026 at 7.00pm in the Postgraduate Centre, Belfast City Hospital, this special event aims to create meaningful connections between those affected by kidney disease and those working to improve outcomes through research, innovation and clinical care.

Connecting, Learning and Growing Together

Kidney Connections has been designed as an opportunity for attendees to hear about the latest developments in paediatric kidney research, learn more about ongoing studies taking place in Northern Ireland, and meet the people whose work is helping to transform the future of kidney care.

The evening will feature presentations from leading experts and emerging researchers, providing valuable insights into current research initiatives and future opportunities to improve the lives of children and young people living with kidney disease.

Guest Speakers

We are delighted to welcome:

Keynote Speaker

• Dr Catherine Quinlan, Consultant Paediatric Nephrologist, Children’s Health Ireland and Director of Partnerships and Impact, PAHSC

Special Guest Speakers

• Professor A J McKnight, Professor of Molecular Epidemiology for Public Health and Director of Postgraduate Research at Queen’s University Belfast
• Helena Brown, NIKRF PhD Student
• Sarah Brown, NIKRF PhD Student

Event Details

📅 Date: Wednesday 17 June 2026
🕖 Time: 7.00pm
📍 Venue: Postgraduate Centre, Belfast City Hospital, 51 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AB

Why Attend?

This event offers a unique opportunity to:

• Learn about the latest advances in paediatric kidney research
• Hear directly from clinicians and researchers working in the field
• Discover how research funding is helping to improve patient outcomes
• Meet and network with patients, families, healthcare professionals and supporters
• Explore future opportunities for involvement in kidney research

At NIKRF, we believe that collaboration is key to accelerating progress. By bringing together patients, families, clinicians and researchers, Kidney Connections will help strengthen the relationships that drive innovation and improve care for future generations.

Register Your Place

Attendance is free, but registration is required.

👉 Register here: Kidney Connections Registration Form

For further information about the event, please visit: Kidney Connections Event Page

We look forward to welcoming you for an evening of insight, collaboration and conversation as we work together to transform the future of paediatric kidney care. 💙💛