Kidney Research UK

We’re delighted to be supporting the Glasgow University team for this year’s SensUs competition, developing a biosensor that tracks creatinine levels in real time.   Creatinine levels in the blood provide a reliable measure of kidney function. Healthy kidneys filter creatinine out of the blood and excrete it through urine. Elevated creatinine levels can indicate that the kidneys are not functioning properly.   Regular creatinine monitoring can help to detect early signs of kidney dysfunction or chronic kidney disease (CKD) and ensure the timely clinical interventions needed to slow the progression of kidney disease. For patients with existing kidney conditions, tracking creatinine levels can assess how well the kidneys are functioning over time which may help to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments.   We’re looking forward to supporting them with this project and look forward to seeing this project progress! Good luck team GLAsense Society!

Join our senior communications officer, Adam, on his day visiting Dr Lorna Milne at the University of Nottingham, who is working on a project we are funding, looking at Alport syndrome and pregnancy. Lorna kindly showed us around, letting us meet colleagues, get the chance to look down a microscope at kidney glomeruli, and most importantly, view the 3D OrbiSIMS which is an imaging technique to help look at molecules. Adam said: “Getting out to see the science behind the scenes reminds us exactly why we do this – it's inspiring to see how our community’s donations are driving research, pushing us closer to real progress for patients. Huge thanks to Lorna and the team for such a warm, insightful welcome.” [Video description: The video begins with a series of short clips: a car journey, a train approaching, a cup of tea with a biscuit, and a scenic view of the sun rising over meadows from the train window. Adam, in his Kidney Research UK purple t-shirt, waves at the camera outside the University of Nottingham’s Biodiscovery Institute before heading inside, where Dr Lorna Milne gives him a tour of the lab. The footage includes research images and the huge 3D OrbiSIMS machine. Adam, now wearing a blue lab coat, spins around and finishes with jazz hands. He looks down a microscope, followed by a close-up of the sample – a grey, circular image featuring small holes and larger holes known as glomeruli. The video finishes with Adam exploring the lab, a view from the office window overlooking the tram bridge, and a final clip of the sun setting over the fields during the train journey home.]

Do you, or does someone you know, need a kidney transplant? This new research project we are funding might be of interest to you 👇 Dr Katrina Spensley has received a training fellowship grant to look at how we can improve blood transfusion methods to minimise antibody production. Antibodies are proteins made by the immune system to protect the body from potential harmful invaders. However, during a blood transfusion, these antibodies could reduce the likelihood of a transplant match and increase the risk of transplanted kidney rejection. This project is investigating whether matching blood transfusions to recipients would prevent these antibodies forming in individuals who have or who require a transplant. Read more on Dr Spensley here: https://bit.ly/3E2ZpKX [Image description: a close up of a blood draw on a patient’s right arm. At the top and halfway down the arm are plasters holding the tubes to the skin. There is blood moving through the tubes.]

The UK Corporate Games returns to Leeds from 24-27 July 2025, bringing businesses together for a weekend of sport, networking and team-building. With over 20 sports on the programme, organisations of all sizes can take part. This is more than just competition - it’s an opportunity to strengthen workplace connections, boost employee wellbeing and showcase your organisation alongside some of the UK’s leading businesses. New sports for 2025 include CGFit and Pickleball, alongside favourites like Dragon Boat Racing, Football, Netball, Golf, Squash, Running, Karting and more. Take a look at the full 2025 Sport Programme and secure your place before the entry deadline! University of Leeds Conferences and Events London North Eastern Railway Kitlocker.com Kidney Research UK The Queens Hotel, Leeds #UKCorporateGames #CorporateWellbeing #TeamBuilding #Sports #EmployeeEngagement #Business #Leeds

Chiesi UK is conducting research into how people across the UK and Ireland, who are living with certain diseases, are affected by bias.   Whether from the general public, healthcare professionals, their own family and friends, or even from yourself, they want to hear from you!   Head to the post below to find out more and how you can take part in their survey 👇  

After what Dan thought was a cold quickly turned into meningitis, he spent eight weeks in intensive care and eight days in a coma. Five years on, he has around 20% kidney function remaining and lives with physical disabilities. “When I woke up from the coma, I felt confused and didn’t really know what was going on. “There were loads of people around me asking me questions to see if my brain was working. They wanted to know if I remembered where I was from, and I was so tired I just lazily answered 'Wales'. They were so relieved and happy! “Having the muscle and ligament removed from my right arm has meant I do not have full function of my hand. I’ve also had an ankle fusion because of a serious problem in my feet which was caused by my life-saving treatment. In total, I’ve had 11 operations, including skin grafts and a muscle transfer from my leg to my right arm. “Going through this has made me consider life more and I’m far more aware that people have different needs and problems that are not always obvious.” Whilst waiting for a transplant, Dan and his family-run business, Thomas Vaughan, will be taking on Welsh Three Peaks Challenge – but with an extra challenge! They will be carrying an additional 60 litres of water to represent the 180 litres of blood filtered by a healthy pair of kidneys each day. 💧 Read more on Dan’s story here: https://bit.ly/4iPFCh9 [Image description: 1 – Dan sitting in a hospital chair with casts on both arms. There are nurses either side aiding him to lift his right arm. He has tubes coming out of his body and legs. Dan has dark short hair and is wearing a dark t-shirt and shorts. 2 – Dan smiling towards the camera at a restaurant. He is sitting outside on a mild day with the Sagrada Família in the background. He is in a maroon coloured Calvin Klein t-shirt and has his sunglasses hanging at the top if it. 3 – A family photo of Dan, his mum, Carolyn, and dad, at their family run business. The background of the image indicates it’s a showroom displaying their bathroom, kitchen and bedroom products. They are wearing company branded tops/shirts and casual trousers/jeans.]

Applications for a £10,000 MSc scholarship are open! Head to the link below to find out more 👇 Closing date: 3 June

Look! We made it on the TV… sort of… 📺 We're grateful to TV Guide for working with us to show Emmerdale fans what happens in the real world after a kidney transplant, following the misleading portrayals of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in soap storylines. Big thanks to our trustee, Professor Simon Davies for his expert input and kidney donor Sulmaan Hanif for sharing his invaluable experiences. Have you been watching? What are your thoughts? https://bit.ly/4cgf3iL

"This is me, Louise Sach, shortly after I was diagnosed with chronic renal failure." "I was age eight when my parents were told that both my kidneys were only working at around 40%, both small, functioning poorly, and heavily scarred." Read more about Louise's experiences of living with kidney disease and the difference a kidney donation made to her by visiting our website: https://lnkd.in/epYm-sYT

We are looking for a proactive and enthusiastic individual with strong knowledge of local communities in Scotland to be a community and events fundraiser. The ideal candidate will be a warm and engaging with experience in relationship fundraising, including recruiting and supporting new supporters and volunteers. You will bring a genuine drive and an innovative approach to fundraising engagement, along with exceptional communication skills. If you thrive in a fast-paced team environment and are passionate about making a difference, we would love to hear from you. For the full job description and to apply, click here: https://bit.ly/41JJv1e Closing date: Wednesday 16 April