Research funding

The mission of the PKD Foundation is to discover and deliver treatments and a cure for polycystic kidney disease and to improve the quality of lives of patients living with this disease. To achieve this, we support investigator-initiated research that range across the research continuum, including basic, translational and clinical research. Additionally, we are committed to supporting a robust pipelines of junior investigators interested in a career in PKD through our Fellowship and Young Investigator Award programs. 

Questions? Email us at research@pkdcure.org 

PKD Foundation Research Grants

The principal goal of our research grant program is the development of clinical interventions for the treatment of PKD. This program funds basic laboratory research aimed at increasing understanding of the genetic and pathological processes involved in PKD as well as research with an obvious or direct potential to accelerate the development of potential therapies. Epidemiologic research proposals utilizing existing data resources to develop new statistical methodologies or to test hypotheses are also welcome.

Timeline

Request for pre-applications for grantss are released in June, with invitations for full applications released in October, and an ultimate proposal deadline in mid January. Each grant recipient receives $80,000 per year for two years. After the first year of funding, grant recipients submit updates on the progress of their research. After the final year of funding, grant recipients submit the results of their studies in a final report.

Eligibility

Applicants must have an M.D., Ph.D. or equivalent degree and hold a faculty appointment at the institution where the research will be conducted. Applicants need not be United States citizens.

Young Investigator Award

An optional third year of support will be available to a young investigator(s). The recipient(s) will be selected from meritorious grant applications to support the transition of a junior scientist to an independent investigator.

Interested applicants will need to clearly outline their interest, eligibility, and scope of research for this third year of funding.

Review process

A scientific peer review process determines the scientific merit of each proposal. Applicants are evaluated by our Grants Review Committee, comprised of members of the Scientific Advisory Panel, a Stakeholder Advisory Panel and independent outside scientific reviewers.

Applications are judged on the following:

• Conceptual basis on which the proposal rests
• Novelty of the concept and strategy
• Clarity of presentation
• Overall plan for transitioning research findings to clinical applications
• Likelihood that the proposed project will contribute to or result in a viable therapeutic intervention for PKD patients
• Experience, background and qualifications of investigator(s)
• Adequacy of the applicant’s resources and environment (facilities, patient population, data management, and data analysis)
• Likelihood that successful completion of the proposed studies would result in further research funded by another agency (e.g. – NIH, FDA)
• Adequacy of provisions for the protection of human subjects (if applicable)

Fellowship grants

Our fellowship grant program recognizes early-career scientists whose achievements and potential identify them as rising stars – the next generation of scientific leaders in PKD research. Our fellowships aim to attract promising trainees who will obtain significant research experience as they initiate and – we hope – spend long and productive careers in PKD research.

Timeline

Request for applications for fellowships are released in October with a January deadline. Recipients are notified in May, and the grant cycle begins on July 1 of the same year. Each recipient receives $60,000 a year for two years.

Eligibility

Applicant must have a Ph.D. or M.D. degree. This application is for a training position and requires a mentor who is knowledgeable about PKD and the project. Applicants must describe a clear career path and explain how this project is relevant to that path. A mentor may sponsor only one applicant.

Review process

Applicants are evaluated by our Grants Review Committee, comprised of members of the Scientific Advisory Panel. Applications are given a priority score based on the scientific merit of the project, its relevance to PKD research, and the training potential of the applicant. Funding of awards is based on the priority score, the recommendations of the Grants Review Committee and the availability of funds. Recipients submit mid-cycle and final reports to update on their progress.