Kaplan Award

Lillian Jean Kaplan International Prize for Advancement in the Understanding of Polycystic Kidney Disease

The Lillian Jean Kaplan International Prize for Advancement recognizes an individual(s) whose seminal scientific work constitutes tangible achievement toward improving knowledge and treatment of PKD. More than one prize may be awarded, and it may be awarded to residents of any country without restriction.

Award-winner 2023

Terry J. Watnick, MD

Joan B. and John H. Sadler Professor in Nephrology, Director Baltimore Polycystic Kidney Disease Research and Clinical Core Center

Professor Watnick was involved in developing the first genetic test for ADPKD and, alongside colleagues, made several important discoveries about the genetic basis of PKD using DNA analysis.

She has since established an independent laboratory, applying multiple approaches to understanding PKD biology, including using model organisms. Her work has made an important contribution to understanding the critical function that PKD proteins play in vasculature. She continues to work on the genetics and pathophysiology of aneurysm formation, a poorly understood manifestation of ADPKD.

Professor Watnick has been an investigator in multicenter trials, including TEMPO, REPRISE and TAME. She was past chair of the PKD Foundation Scientific Advisory Panel and supports collaborative science to achieve a cure for PKD.

Since 2010, she has led the Maryland PKD Research and Translation Core Center and is co-principal investigator of the coordinating site for the NIH-funded PKD Centers’ program. In this capacity, she works to ensure that research resources are distributed to a broad community of investigators to advance cutting-edge PKD science.

Nominations for 2024

Nominations for the 2024 award are due September 2023.

Nomination requirements:

Your details: complete name, ISN membership number, and contact information
Nominee details: complete name (as listed in publications) and contact information
Support statement: a description of how and why the nominee’s work represents a major advance in basic or clinical understanding of PKD, distinguishing those aspects which clearly set it apart from the work of others in the field, and a summary of the nominee’s contributions
Full curriculum vitae and bibliography of the nominee
Letters of support: at least two

All nominations and supporting materials are to be sent via email to Jo-Ann Donner at jdonner@theisn.org.

Winners are selected by the Lillian Jean Kaplan Prize Advisory Committee: Committee Chair Dr. Nathan Levin, two committee members selected by the PKD Foundation, and two ISN members.