Key information
What would it mean to change the future for a child with a rare kidney disease, or an adult living with a hereditary condition that has shaped their life. We are offering funding opportunities for researchers dedicated to advancing the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of paediatric and rare kidney diseases. Help us drive forward progress for patients with the highest unmet needs.
Advancing research in paediatric, rare and hereditary kidney diseases
We are committed to changing the future for children and families affected by kidney disease. Rare and hereditary kidney conditions are complex and often poorly understood, with many patients waiting years for an accurate diagnosis or access to effective treatments. This funding opportunity aims to accelerate research that tackles these challenges head-on.
Rare kidney diseases - more than 150 distinct conditions - collectively affect an estimated 160,000 people in the UK. People living with these conditions account for up to 25% of all dialysis and transplant patients, and more than 60% of children with kidney failure have a rare kidney disease as the underlying cause. Despite many conditions being hereditary, diagnostic delay remains common and the evidence base to support new treatments is often limited.
Our Collectively Common report (2025) set out a clear agenda for action. This funding opportunity responds directly to that agenda, supporting high‑quality research to improve understanding, reduce progression to kidney failure, and expand treatment options for people affected by these diseases.
Why focus on paediatric, rare and hereditary kidney diseases?
Children with kidney disease often face lifelong health challenges that begin early in life and continue for decades. A diagnosis of a rare or hereditary kidney condition can reshape every aspect of a person’s life, from education and employment to relationships and long‑term health. Yet for many of these conditions, the research needed to develop better treatments remains limited or absent.
This funding opportunity is a clear commitment to closing that gap and accelerating progress for children, adults and families affected by rare kidney disease.
Research priorities for applicants
Applications are welcome across a wide range of rare, hereditary and paediatric kidney conditions and methodological approaches. In line with our Collectively Common report, we are particularly interested in research that addresses:
Types of grants available
We welcome applications submitted through our first main grant round for the following grant types
Submitting an application
Information on eligibility, grant regulations and conditions, and opening and closing dates for submissions.
The application process for this grant is single full application.
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Application info
All submissions through our first main grant round will be subject to expert review involving members of our college of experts and our experts by experience. Get more information about the expert review process.
All lead applicants must be resident in the United Kingdom and the research must be led from a UK establishment.
We particularly encourage paediatric trainees to begin with a translational research project focused on a rare kidney disease.
One award from this round will be available for a project that aligns with the goals of the Kidney research UK -LifeArc Centre for Rare Diseases. To strengthen your application, we recommend an early conversation with Dr Louise Oni, the centre’s lead.
Application key dates
Opens for applications: 12 May 2026
Closing date: 25 June 2026
Apply using our online grant management system.
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