In honour of Professor Mike Nicholson’s dedication to developing new and innovative approaches to kidney transplantation, and in recognition of the urgent need to decrease waiting times and improve the outcomes for those who need a donor kidney, we are launching the Kidney Research UK-Stoneygate jointly funded Professor Michael Nicholson Awards.

With applications open until 18 October 2023 for this first year of funding, we welcome UK-based proposals aiming to improve outcomes for the kidney patient community and build expertise in renal transplantation.

Research project grants: funds stand-alone research projects that will advance our knowledge in kidney transplantation.

• Grant available: up to £250,000
• Funding period: maximum of three years, may be spread over a two or three-year period. 

Start-up grants: funds stand-alone research studies to investigate innovative new hypotheses around kidney transplantation that lack any significant existing research evidence. 

• Grant available: up to £40,000
• Funding period: maximum of two years, may be spread over a one or two-year period. 

Senior fellowship scientist: supports non-clinical scientists who have conducted independent research in kidney transplantation and wish to build on their experience and reputation in this field, deepening their knowledge.

• Grant available: the fellow’s salary is based on the University or Institute Scale and a consumables allowance of £24,000 per annum. 
• Funding period: for up to three-five years.

Transplant surgeon PhD fellowship: supports medical graduates who are specialising in surgery to expand the levels of expertise in kidney transplantation research.

• Training Fellowship: The Fellow’s salary, higher degree tuition fees and a consumables allowance of £15,000 per annum. 
• Funding period: for up to three years.

PhD studentship: PhD Studentships are available for research leading to PhD, focusing on kidney transplantation research.

• PhD Studentship: The student’s stipend is based on the Medical Research Council Scale. Higher degree tuition fees and a consumables allowance of £3,500 per annum up to a total of £10,500. 
• Funding period: for up to three and a half years.