KANSAS CITY, Mo. (July 21, 2026) — Today, the PKD Foundation announced its 2026 research grant and fellowship recipients, marking a significant increase in its investment in research aimed at accelerating discoveries for people living with polycystic kidney disease (PKD). PKD is one of the most common genetic disorders, causing fluid-filled cysts to grow in the kidneys, impairing kidney function over time, and often leading to kidney failure.
Thanks to the generosity of its donors and supporters, the Foundation increased funding for each two-year research grant from $160,000 to $240,000, a 50% increase that reflects both the extraordinary momentum in PKD research and the urgent need to develop new treatments for the estimated 500,000 people in the United States living with the disease.
Following a thorough peer-review process led by the PKD Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Panel, with input from patients, caregivers, and leading PKD researchers, 12 research projects and one fellowship were selected for funding in 2026. The funded projects explore innovative approaches across genetics, disease mechanisms, precision medicine, therapeutic development, and patient-centered research.
“Today, we are seeing unprecedented momentum in PKD research, and we believe this is the right time to invest boldly in the scientists working to change the future of this disease,” said Susan Bushnell, President and CEO of the PKD Foundation. “Because of the generosity of our donors, we are able to increase our investment in promising research that represents hope for millions of people and families living with PKD.”
“The quality and innovation of this year’s applications were truly exceptional,” said Chris Chen, Ph.D., Vice President of Research at the PKD Foundation. “These investigators are pursuing some of the most transformative scientific questions in PKD today. By supporting strong ideas and emerging researchers, the PKD Foundation is building the pipeline of discoveries that will lead to better therapies and, ultimately, a cure.”
The Foundation’s research program supports investigators at every stage of their careers and funds projects that have the potential to improve understanding of PKD, identify new therapeutic targets, and translate scientific discoveries into meaningful advances for patients.
To learn more about the 2026 funded research projects and fellowship recipient, including plain-language summaries of each study, visit pkdcure.org/funded-research.
About the PKD Foundation
Since 1982, the PKD Foundation has been dedicated to improving the lives of people impacted by polycystic kidney disease (PKD). The Foundation drives research to find treatments and a cure while providing education, advocacy, and direct support to communities nationwide. It is the largest private funder of PKD research in the U.S. PKD is a chronic, genetic disorder marked by the uncontrolled growth of cysts in the kidneys and other organs, often leading to kidney failure. An estimated 500,000 people in the U.S. have PKD. There is currently no cure and only one approved treatment to slow disease progression. The PKD Foundation is the only U.S. organization solely focused on PKD. Learn more at pkdcure.org.
