Research highlights at Fellows Day 2019
Researchers across the renal disciplines, as well as people living with kidney disease attended Kidney Research UK’s annual Fellows Day event, which took place at the University of Leicester this month. A total of 43 researchers funded by the charity presented on the outcomes of their work, showing the progress the organisation is helping to make in tackling kidney disease.
“Our delegates have told us how much they enjoyed Fellows Day and what a special event this is,” said Maggie Anderson, research manager at Kidney Research UK. “They love the opportunity to learn from peers and patients alike and to forge new alliances to help progress research. We’re very grateful to our industry partners for their support, without which this event couldn’t happen.”
Delegates heard from eminent keynote speakers including Professor Jurgen Floege from Aachen University, Germany, Professor Adeera Levin from University of British Columbia and Professor John McMurray, University of Glasgow.
After stiff competition amongst the presenters, three awards were given.
Clinical lecturer Dr Sarah Howles, from the University of Oxford, received the best oral presentation award. Funded by a Kidney Research UK research project grant, she presented on the genetic variants of calcium and vitamin D metabolism in kidney stone disease.

Medical undergraduate Adam Hurt from the University of Leicester won the best rapid poster award, presenting his findings from his intercalated degree on the health economic impact of exercise interventions in patients with advanced CKD.
Renal physiotherapist Ellen Castle, from King’s College Hospital, won the Trevor Cook award. This award recognised the clarity of presentation from a lay perspective. Ellen holds an Allied Health Professional Fellowship from Kidney Research UK and has developed an online weight management resource for new kidney transplant patients.
Next year Kidney Research UK’s Fellows Day will take place at the University of Edinburgh, Monday 7 – Tuesday 8 September.
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