NIKRF medical advisor, Consultant Nephrologist, Dr Oonagh McCloskey clearly demonstrated how research evidence is being used to predict kidney disease trajectories, setting the tone for an evening grounded in innovation and impact. This was followed by a deeply moving account from a kidney recipient who, inspired by the care and kindness she received, has gone on to become a nurse. Chair of NIKRF, Rev Jim McCaughan then presented Dean of the School of Medicine at UU Prof Peter Bazira,  with a kidney ‘recipe book’ to mark the formal partnership between NIKRF and Ulster University.

We also heard an exciting and forward-looking presentation from Senior Lecturer and Principal Investigator Dr Taranjit Singh Rai who is  our first Ulster University research recipient, and is using AI to predict cellular senescence and better understand CKD progression. The evening concluded with a powerful and visually compelling presentation from Consultant Adult and Paediatric Renal Transplant Surgeon, BCH and Head of Surgery, Ulster University Medical School, Prof Tim Brown on advances in complex kidney transplantation. We were also honoured by the presence of Emeritus Professor of QUB, Peter Maxwell, who gave a wonderful overview of the outstanding renal services in Northern Ireland.

The room was full, with Consultant Nephrologists, Nursing Staff, Patients, SNODs, members of the Altnagelvin Renal Alliance Group, and researchers from Ulster University, including Research Group Leader for Personalised Medicine, Prof David Gibson. We were also pleased to welcome the Deputy Mayor of Derry and Strabane City Council, Alderman Niree McMorris and Professor Emeritus, Louise Dubras, founding Dean of School of medicine at Ulster University,

The pride in our renal services was evident throughout. The care, expertise, and dedication shown to patients is exceptional and deeply valued by all. The word ‘family’ was used more than once.

A massive thanks to all who came along and helped at the event and to Manjit Kaur, owner of Rai Brow Bar in Foyleside Shopping Centre for sponsoring the supper.