Research Funding: Building Excellence in Kidney Research in Leeds

Research and Innovation is a strategic priority for Leeds Hospitals Charity and Kidney Research Yorkshire. Through this joint funding initiative, we are investing in research that will improve the lives of people living with kidney disease and help establish Leeds as a recognised centre of excellence in kidney research.

Kidney disease is a significant and growing health challenge. Demand for dialysis and transplantation continues to rise, outcomes remain poorer than for many other long-term conditions, and health inequalities persist across different communities. Despite this, kidney research has historically received lower levels of investment than many other disease areas.

Leeds is uniquely placed to address these challenges. Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is one of the largest and most diverse renal centres in the UK, providing adult, paediatric and transplant services. Combined with the University of Leeds’ expertise in clinical research, data science and translational medicine, there is a strong foundation to deliver impactful, patient-focused kidney research.

This funding call aims to support clinicians and healthcare professionals to engage in research and strengthen collaboration between clinical services, academia and the voluntary sector.

Areas of research interest

We are inviting applications across all areas of kidney health, including:

• Chronic kidney disease and kidney failure
• Dialysis and transplantation
• Paediatric kidney conditions
• Health inequalities and underserved populations
• Digital, data and AI approaches
• Patient experience and quality of life

Proposals must demonstrate relevance to patients treated in Leeds and have the potential to deliver wider impact.

Funding Streams:

Research Project Grants

Applicants can apply for between £20,000 and £100,000

Funding is available for pump-priming and translational research projects that aim to:

• Improve diagnosis, treatment or care pathways
• Reduce inequalities in kidney health
• Develop innovative technologies and approaches
• Deliver collaborative and data-driven research studies

Projects should demonstrate a clear pathway to larger external funding opportunities and potential patient benefit within 5–10 years.

Protected Time Awards

Applicants can apply for up to £40,000

These awards are designed to enable clinicians and healthcare professionals to develop research activity through protected time.

Funding may support:

• Salary costs for protected research time
• Development of research ideas and early-stage projects

Applications are welcome from all registered healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and scientists. Applicants should demonstrate a clear research development plan, mentorship arrangements and a commitment to patient and public involvement.

Seed Funding

Applicants can apply for up to £10,000

Seed funding is available to support the development of competitive external funding applications.

Funding may be used for:

• Pilot data collection
• Methodology or statistical support
• Stakeholder engagement and patient and public involvement
• Proposal development workshops

Applications should demonstrate a clear pathway to securing external funding.

Eligibility

Applications are open to:

• Staff employed by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
• University of Leeds staff holding honorary contracts with Leeds Teaching Hospitals
• Other researchers actively engaged in research at LTHT with a focus on patients treated in Leeds

Collaborative applications are strongly encouraged. We particularly welcome applications from:

• Early career researchers
• Individuals from groups currently underrepresented in research

Application process

The funding call is a two-stage process:

• The first stage is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). EOIs will be assessed for strategic fit and potential impact.
• Successful applicants will be invited to submit a full application.
• Full applications will be subject to peer review before assessment by a Scientific Advisory Panel and final funding decision.

Download EOI form

Further help and support

Please click here if you would like to book a Teams meeting with a member of the Grants Team to discuss your application.

You can also contact us on [email protected] or 0113 539 7091.