Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund has donated £600k for medical research into disease at Queen’s. The gift will support the appointments of Scientific and Clinical Post-Doctoral Research Fellowships undertaking high-quality kidney research in the Centre for Public Health at the University.

Speaking at the launch, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer, said: “Early detection of kidney disease allows cost effective treatment to be provided to minimise complications, improve quality of life, and increase survival. Earlier interventions can significantly reduce the risk of developing end-stage kidney disease that requires expensive treatments such as kidney dialysis and transplantation.

“Queen’s has a proud history of conducting innovative, impactful and world-leading research that has positively changed people’s lives.

“This gift will help transform kidney research at Queen’s, Northern Ireland and further afield, and will improve the lives of patients through innovations in treatment and care. It will also provide exciting opportunities for early-stage researchers to pursue kidney research that is directly relevant to the needs of patients with renal disease, their carers and families both in Northern Ireland and internationally.”

Director of the Centre for Public Health Jayne Woodside said: “Kidney disease is predicted to become the 5th leading cause of death in the next 15 years which makes this generous donation particularly crucial.

“We are delighted to support this vital long-term commitment to kidney research via the Queen’s Foundation. The future depends on investing in people now; that is why we want to support the academic career development of kidney scientists and kidney doctors. They will be part of the teams ensuring Northern Ireland continues to lead by example in both kidney research and in the best care of those with kidney disease.”

Academic lead Dr Gareth McKay said: “Kidney disease affects all ages. The Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund provides opportunities for collaboration between doctors, nurses, scientists and patients to prioritise and address funding gaps in kidney research here in Northern Ireland.

“Their dedicated support has helped to improve understanding about all forms of kidney disease, connecting patients and the public with clinical and scientific kidney researchers. This generous donation to the Queen’s University of Belfast Foundation, the registered charity of the University, will help to accelerate progress in research that can be translated into better care for people with kidney disease.”

Chair of the NIKRF Rev Jim McCaughan’s daughter Dr Jennifer McCaughan was a consultant nephrologist and former researcher at Queen’s. Before she died of cancer at 38 years old, Jennifer asked her parents to continue to be involved in kidney disease research and this is why they became involved with NIKRF.

Rev McCaughan said: “We are delighted to support this vital long term commitment to kidney research via the Queen’s Foundation. The future depends on investing in people now; that is why we want to support the academic career development of kidney scientists and kidney doctors. They will be part of the teams ensuring Northern Ireland continues to lead by example in both kidney research and in the best care of those with kidney disease.”