Researchers and funders unite to launch centre to tackle kidney disease

The UCL Centre for Kidney & Bladder Health was formally launched on World Kidney Day 2024 with an afternoon featuring the latest research, attended by the leading research institutions, funders and patient representatives. Kidney disease is the 10th biggest cause of mortality globally and affects around one in 10 people. In the UK, kidney failure alone accounts for around 3% of the NHS's budget. Historically underfunded, leading charities recently warned that care costs for kidney disease patients could double to £13.9 billion in the next decade. The new Centre is the first to join up paediatric and adult care, in recognition of the fact that patients are on a journey that doesn't stop when they hit adulthood. By pooling funding, resources and expertise, the Centre is choosing collaboration over competition in order to reduce overlaps and drive kidney research forward. Its main aim will be to develop prevention strategies, state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatments for those living with kidney and bladder disease.