The ISN, through its KI Editor-in-Chief Search Committee, invites applications for the next Editor-in-Chief of Kidney International® (KI). The successful candidate will serve a five-year term (January 2, 2027–December 31, 2031) with an overlap period beginning in September 2026 to ensure a smooth transition. 

Please refer to ISN’s equity, diversity, and inclusion statement.

Applications close on November 3, 2025. 

The mystery of chronic kidney disease of unknown origin (CKDu) continues to puzzle researchers, but efforts to solve it are gaining ground. The i3C Network is steadily expanding, bringing together researchers, clinicians, and public health experts with one shared goal: to uncover the causes behind CKDu and protect vulnerable populations. 

In July, over 40 experts from around the world gathered online for the latest ISN i3C (CKDu) Network “Work in progress” meeting, uniting a diverse global community in the effort to tackle this challenging public health issue. Four researchers presented their recent findings from India and Sri Lanka, sharing new hypotheses, challenges in study design, and fresh perspectives on potential causes. 

The lively Q&A that followed sparked cross-regional connections, helping to shape the next steps in investigating etiology and standardizing detection within a collaborative framework. 

Interested in CKDu research? Want to connect with others working on this issue, or present your own findings? Join the i3C (CKDu) Network and be part of global efforts to address CKDu: Contact us at ckdu_observatory@theisn.org. 

 

Complete the i3C (CKDu) Network survey 

The i3C (CKDu) initiative is developing a toolkit of CKDu research resources. Please help us ensure its relevance to CKDu researchers worldwide by completing a short questionnaire by September 3, 2025. 

The ISN Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) develops leadership potential to drive change in global kidney health. Since its launch, it has become a catalyst for early-career nephrologists and researchers to champion advocacy, expand research, and foster innovation in kidney care worldwide. 

Hurry – apply for the ISN Emerging Leaders Program by September 15! 

Here are some inspiring ways ELP members are advancing the field: 

From cohort 1 

Rahul Chanchlani (Canada): Advancing research and mentoring the next generation 

Rahul Chanchlani, president-elect of the Canadian Association of Pediatric Nephrologists and deputy chair of the ISN Clinical Research Program Committee, focuses his research on hypertension and acute kidney injury (AKI) in children. He has led major research projects funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Kidney Foundation of Canada, earning the 2024 Renee Habib Young Investigator Award from IPNA. 

Through the ELP, Rahul has collaborated on post-discharge follow-up initiatives for AKI patients with colleagues from Uganda, India, and Sri Lanka and contributed to ISN’s AKI Toolkit. Now an ISN Mentor, he continues to guide early-career nephrologists in India and Bangladesh. 

Muhammad Iqbal Abdul Hafidz (Malaysia): Leading advocacy for transplantation 

As head of the nephrology unit and transplant program at Hospital Al-Sultan Abdullah, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Muhammad Iqbal Abdul Hafidz combines clinical leadership with global advocacy. Now deputy chair of the ISN Advocacy Working Group, he has advanced transplantation in Malaysia by establishing a histocompatibility and immunogenetics lab under the ISN–TTS Sister Transplant Centers Program. 

His contributions to the Professor Donal O’Donoghue Global Kidney Policy Forum and national advocacy campaigns highlight how the ELP nurtures leaders who influence both local policy and international health agendas. 

 

From cohort 2 

Ehab Hafiz (Egypt): Driving sustainability in nephrology 

Thanks to the ELP’s mentorship and collaborative work on green and sustainable nephrology, renal pathologist Ehab Hafiz gained the confidence to propose a national initiative on water salvage from dialysis units, which is now progressing toward multi-institutional agreements. 

Recently promoted to assistant professor, he also co-hosted an ISN Fellow from Ethiopia for a three-month training in nephropathology, thereby strengthening regional capacity.  

Divya Bajpai (India): Championing equity and education 

Divya Bajpai, a nephrologist and transplant physician at Seth G.S.M.C. and K.E.M. Hospital in Mumbai, has expanded her influence across education, advocacy, and women’s health. She serves as associate editor of the Indian Journal of Nephrology, joint secretary of WIN-India, and member of the ISN South Asia Regional Board. 

Through the ELP’s focus on sustainable nephrology, Divya has developed innovative educational materials for the ISN’s Social Media Education team — from interactive quizzes and visual abstracts to animations highlighting everyday actions that reduce carbon footprints.  

Are you ready to shape the future of kidney care — locally and globally? Apply to the ISN Emerging Leaders Program by September 15! 

The ELP is supported by unrestricted educational grants from AstraZeneca and Boehringer Ingelheim. 

Kidney International®  

Women and kidney health: Conclusions from a Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Controversies Conference

The conference highlighted key sex- and gender-specific issues in kidney care, emphasizing chronic kidney disease’s (CKD) impact on women’s reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes.  

Recommendations included counseling, multidisciplinary pregnancy management, and systematic monitoring of kidney function, blood pressure, and proteinuria.  

The conference concluded that addressing sex and gender differences, such as CKD diagnosis, pregnancy planning, coordinated care, and follow-up after pregnancy complications, is essential to optimize kidney and reproductive health in women. 

 

Kidney International Reports®  

Ethical considerations for research in chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology: Reflections from an ethics panel at the 4th International Workshop on CKDu 

The workshop convened experts to address chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) affecting agricultural communities in Mesoamerica and South Asia.

A dedicated ethics panel highlighted the importance of ethical research practices — aligning studies with community needs, fostering equitable collaborations, and translating findings into meaningful actions — while emphasizing the ongoing role of communities, local health systems, and governments in guiding CKDu responses. 

Faculty and delegates at the 5th Congress of the Senegalese Society of Nephrology, Dialysis, and Transplantation 

The ISN Continuing Medical Education (CME) Program recently supported the 5th Congress of the Senegalese Society of Nephrology, Dialysis, and Transplantation (SOSENDT) in Saly, Senegal, which gathered 332 participants from across Sub-Saharan Africa. Two ISN-supported speakers attended: Eric Goffin (Belgium) and Guillaume Mahamat Abderraman (Chad).  

“The meeting fostered rich exchanges between experienced professionals and young nephrologists, ” shared Abdou Niang, president of the SOSENDT. “ISN-affiliated speakers such as Eric Goffin added a global perspective while staying grounded in local realities.” 

Professor Goffin presents at the congress 

According to the organizers, the congress’s main strength was its contextual relevance, addressing the specific epidemiological, infrastructural, and economic challenges of chronic kidney disease in the region.  

Sessions on kidney transplantation and interventional nephrology drew strong engagement, reflecting the region’s growing focus on bridging gaps in services and capacity. A panel on artificial intelligence in nephrology, which highlighted its potential to enhance diagnostics in resource-limited settings, also attracted significant attention. 

Professor Goffin presents a gift and certificate of recognition to Dr. Abderraman on behalf of SOSENDT 

By supporting meetings like this, the ISN CME Program helps kidney care professionals in low, middle, and upper-middle income countries access cutting-edge knowledge, build regional networks, and strengthen practical skills tailored to local contexts.  

These meetings complement other ISN Grants to drive regional progress. Professor Goffin serves as the Supporting Center liaison officer in the ISN Sister Renal Centers partnership between the National Hospital Center Dalal Jamm (Senegal), and Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc (Belgium). He also delivered a training course in Dakar as an ISN Educational Ambassador to strengthen local peritoneal dialysis services. 

Find out how the ISN CME Program can help address knowledge gaps in your region – apply today! 

 

Professor Chothia presenting on electrolyte and acid-base disorders during an ISN Educational Ambassador visit 

A recent training at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in the Maldives highlights the far-reaching benefits of the ISN Educational Ambassadors Program. 

Led by Mogamat Yazied Chothia, associate professor of medicine and consultant nephrologist at Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital in South Africa, the training introduced a novel, simplified, physiology-based approach to diagnosing and managing electrolyte and acid-base disorders. 

Through a combination of interactive theory sessions and real-life case-based discussions, the program helped participants deepen their understanding of renal physiology, improve their diagnostic skills, and build confidence in delivering individualized, guideline-based care. The training also laid the foundation for an ongoing educational framework to ensure continuous learning beyond the visit. 

Around 25 medical officers from a range of specialties, including nephrology, emergency care, ICU, and surgery, took part in the sessions, with several joining from a neighboring institution. 

Real-life case-based discussions supervised by Professor Chothia (left) and Dr Ibrahim Shiham (far right), head of nephrology at IGMH 

Post-teaching evaluations showed overall improvement in assessments, and attendees reported a marked transformation in their approach to practice and teaching.  

Post-training evaluations showed clear improvements in knowledge and clinical approach. “Almost all participants reported that this program enhanced their understanding, approach, and management of acid-base and electrolyte disorders. Many said they felt better able to think like clinicians and tailor treatment to individual patients,” said Ahmed Abdulla, consultant sub-specialist in nephrology at IGMH. 

Training attendees discuss clinical cases in groups 

The collaboration with Professor Chothia will continue virtually with his input on challenging clinical cases and webinars on advanced topics in electrolyte and acid-base disorders. 

About the Educational Ambassadors Program 

The ISN Educational Ambassadors Program (EAP) supports healthcare institutions in low, middle, and upper-middle income countries by connecting them with experts for hands-on, locally relevant training. These focused visits, sometimes combined with online sessions in a hybrid format, strengthen kidney care services and improve patient outcomes. At its core, the program fosters long-term, collaborative relationships between host centers and visiting experts to ensure lasting impact. 

Learn more and apply for EAP support 

Follow the seven-part Electrolytes and Acid-Base Disorders Curriculum at the ISN Academy 

Paola Romagnani will present on how the balance between podocyte injury and the kidney’s repair mechanisms shapes disease progression, influencing outcomes from reversible lesions to more severe forms such as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis or collapsing glomerulopathy.

Registration for WCN’26 opens September 16 – find out more! 

Learn more about Professor Romagnani 

In August, the ISN was represented in Chennai, India, at the 4th Annual Conference of Women in Nephrology-India (WIN-ICON 2025). ISN executive director Charu Malik delivered a virtual talk, “Opportunities for young nephrologists in ISN.”

In September

At the 60th Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology (ANZSN) Congress (August 30 – September 3, Perth, Western Australia), ISN President-Elect Liz Lightstone will contribute as both speaker and moderator:

September 1             11-11:30 a.m.    (local time)  

“Lupus nephritis – up close and personal(ized)” (lecture)

September 2           7-8 a.m.

Back to the cure: a therapeutic IgA nephropathy time machine (moderator)

September 2           1-2 p.m.

“Women’s health and kidney disease – a global perspective” (plenary lecture)

Whether presenting new science, strengthening partnerships, or amplifying regional voices, the ISN’s global engagements continue to elevate the conversation on equitable kidney care.

Discover all the benefits of ISN-endorsed meetings and how to apply

The ISN Foundation Fellowship Course* has recently been updated to better support early-career nephrologists. The course offers a solid grounding in clinical nephrology. The modules can be completed separately and include the following topics: 

• Acute kidney injury 

• Glomerular diseases 

• Dialysis modalities and conservative kidney care management 

• Chronic kidney disease  

• Electrolytes and acid-base disorders  

• Kidney transplantation 

Hosted at the ISN Academy, it is ideal for students, residents, fellows, and early-career clinicians, whether they are learning the foundations of clinical nephrology for the first time or as a refresher. 

Completion of the course is a prerequisite for applying to the ISN Fellowship Program, which offers hands-on training at a host institution to help nephrologists advance their expertise and leadership skills in kidney care. 

Apply to the ISN Fellowship by October 1! 

*Curated by the ISN Fellowship Committee in collaboration with the ISN Young Nephrologists Committee and the Young Nephrologists Network. 

Lao transplant team, including past ISN Fellows Noot Sengthavisouk (far left) and Chanmaly Keomany (far right), observing at Ramathibodi Hospital in Thailand

In 2007, kidney care in Laos was limited to a few dialysis beds, with no capacity for kidney biopsy, peritoneal dialysis, or transplantation. Over the past two decades, the ISN Fellowship Program and other ISN Grants have been instrumental in advancing kidney care services and capacity in the country.

Today, Laos counts seven nephrologists, four of whom trained abroad through the ISN Fellowship Program, supported by long-standing ties with Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok through the ISN Sister Renal Centers (SRC) Program and Ramathibodi Hospital through the ISN-TTS Sister Transplant Centers (STC) Program. Sakountala Phamanoxay, one of the four fellows, concludes, “It is clear that without the support of the ISN Fellowship Program for personnel development, neither we nor the Lao community could have achieved such remarkable progress in the quantity and quality of kidney care.”

Apply to become an ISN Fellow before October 1

Delegates and faculty at the 3^rd Annual Scientific Conference of the Lao Nephrology Society

As a result of this sustained support, Laos now has:

• Expanded dialysis services – from two hemodialysis units in 2009 to 34 today, serving more than 2,300 patients
• New treatment options – the first peritoneal dialysis cases, kidney biopsies, continuous renal replacement therapy, and therapeutic plasma exchange
• Landmark achievements – in 2023, the country performed its first live-donor kidney transplant in collaboration with Ramathibodi Hospital in Thailand, with support from the ISN-TTS Sister Transplant Centers Program
• Sustainable capacity building – a national nephrology fellowship program, training courses, and CME meetings have strengthened education and ensured that nephrology is taught across central and provincial universities
• Professional leadership – establishment of the “Nephro Intervention Team” and the Lao Society of Nephrology (LSN), which is developing practice guidelines to ensure quality hemodialysis care as services rapidly expand

Laos’ second therapeutic plasma exchange was performed on a patient with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

The progress in Laos demonstrates how ISN Grants complement each other: Fellowships develop key leaders, Sister Center partnerships provide long-term mentorship, CME courses share expertise, and Educational Ambassadors deliver tailored training. With these initiatives working together, kidney care in Laos has been transformed from near-zero capacity to a system offering advanced therapies, research, training, and a new generation of nephrology leaders.

Explore inspiring stories from 40 years of the ISN Fellowship Program

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrate outstanding contributions to kidney care!

Please join us in congratulating all the winners of the 2026 ISN Awards.

	Vivekanand Jha – the Jean Hamburger Award
	John A. Kellum – the Bywaters Award
	Ron T. Gansevoort – the Lillian Jean Kaplan Prize for polycystic kidney disease (PKD)

The winners will receive their awards at the ISN World Congress of Nephrology 2026 in Yokohama, Japan (March 28-31, 2026).

Find out more about the winners and their outstanding work below.  

To help kidney care professionals stay current with the evolving impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on kidney health, the ISN Academy has launched a dedicated AI resource page: A curated, growing collection of essential content that bridges nephrology and emerging technologies. 

Explore the AI resource page at the ISN Academy 

This resource features materials from leading global authorities, including UNESCO’s “Global Ethics of AI,” the OECD AI Observatory, and the American Medical Association’s policy framework for AI in medical education, offering insights into how AI may influence diagnostics, clinical decision-making, ethics, and equity in kidney care. 

Highlights include a new episode of the ISN Global Kidney Care Podcast, also available as a video interview, with AI expert Peter Kotanko, adjunct professor of medicine and nephrology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. In conversation with ISN member Augusto Santos Jr., Dr. Kotanko explores practical applications of AI in kidney care — from guiding anemia treatment to predicting hospitalizations in dialysis patients. They discuss the importance of clinician oversight, prompt design, and understanding the limitations of large language models, such as ChatGPT.  

The ISN Emerging Technologies Working Group will regularly update the content to ensure timely, relevant insights as the field evolves. 

 

Dr. Devarajan (wearing a suit) with the SAT Team at the National Pediatric Nephrology Conclave 2022, supported by the ISN

An ISN Sister Renal Centers (SRC) collaboration between Sree Avittam Thirunal (SAT) Hospital in Kerala, India, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), USA, has played a transformative role in developing pediatric nephrology services at SAT Hospital, significantly advancing the quality and scope of pediatric kidney care in the region.

This partnership is a compelling example of how the ISN strategically layers its grant programs to create lasting impact. By combining the SRC framework with support from the ISN Educational Ambassadors and Continuing Medical Education programs, the ISN established a comprehensive pipeline for growth — strengthening infrastructure, expanding clinical expertise, and fostering academic and research capacity — positioning SAT as a national leader in pediatric nephrology.

As the only pediatric nephrology facility in Kerala — a state with a population of more than 33 million spread across nearly 39,000 square kilometers — SAT Hospital serves a vast population with previously limited access to specialized kidney care for children. The department urgently needed support in developing and implementing strategies for delivering advanced treatment, establishing training programs, and initiating research efforts in pediatric nephrology.

Throughout the seven-year partnership, which began in 2018, the department has strengthened its infrastructure, expanded access to essential equipment, and increased its human resource capacity, leading to measurable improvements in clinical outcomes and lives saved.

Initially staffed by a single faculty member, the pediatric nephrology department operated just one outpatient clinic per week, with four inpatient beds and a single hemodialysis machine. Today, all children under 18 continue to receive free treatment, and the hospital has expanded its pediatric nephrology capacity fivefold — from 10 to 50 dedicated beds.

The SAT Hospital successfully expanded its clinical capabilities to establish a comprehensive kidney replacement therapy program. The department now offers a full range of modalities, including acute peritoneal dialysis (PD), sustained low-efficiency dialysis, intermittent hemodialysis, continuous renal replacement therapy, and plasmapheresis.

The team also launched specialized AKI follow-up and transplant clinics during the partnership and participated in the ISN-IPNA Grand Rounds, presenting a complex pediatric case on resistant hypertension in ESKD on dialysis. A virtual academic series, NEPHQUEST (2021–2024), became a highly regarded educational forum, addressing key pediatric nephrology topics ranging from fluid and electrolyte disorders to genetic diseases. Among the partnership’s most notable achievements is the establishment of a postdoctoral (DM) program in pediatric nephrology, which will help sustain and grow the field in India for years to come.

The centers have collaborated on research projects, including studies such as “Management of pediatric ESKD – change in the trend over 12 years” and “CKD in pediatric AKI survivors from ICU,” both of which were accepted as abstracts at WCN 2020. Additionally, a study on inflammatory markers in chronic kidney disease was honored with the Best Poster Award at ISPNCON 2022.

Over time, SAT Hospital has evolved into a key referral and training center for pediatric kidney care in the region. It now serves as a hub for educating doctors and allied health professionals, including dialysis technicians and nurses. The team has implemented structured training programs and conducted multiple workshops to share expertise with healthcare providers from other hospitals across the state. As a result, SAT Hospital is now nationally recognized for its contributions to collaborative research, professional training, and the advancement of kidney care services for children.

Various speakers at the National Pediatric Nephrology Conclave 2022

The partnership has also raised the profile of pediatric nephrology in the region, enhancing both local visibility and national interest in the field. While the short-term impact is already evident in improved care delivery and service organization, the long-term effects will unfold as more specialists graduate from the DM program, paving the way for comprehensive kidney care, including pediatric kidney transplantation.

Building on this progress, SAT Hospital has launched the “Project PRATIKSHA” (meaning HOPE) initiative that uses software-based registration and follow-up to enable risk stratification, timely intervention, and ongoing care for all babies born in Kerala with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). The program aims to serve as a model for comprehensive care of chronic kidney disease related to CAKUT in children.

According to Susan Uthup, the SRC liaison officer from SAT, the leadership and unwavering support of Dr. Prasad Devarajan and the team at CCHMC have been instrumental throughout the collaboration. She comments, “Their dedication extended beyond institutional support to hands-on involvement in webinars, clinical training, and exchange visits, offering both guidance and inspiration,” adding, “We are truly grateful to have been selected for this program. Completing all levels of the partnership has been a deeply fulfilling journey for our team. Thank you, ISN, for making this possible.”

Building on the progress achieved through the SRC partnership, the hospital aims to further strengthen its role as a center of excellence in pediatric kidney care by forming an ISN TRIO collaboration with CCHMC and the pediatric nephrology team at Assam Medical College in Dibrugarh, expanding access to advanced, high-quality kidney care for children across the region.

 

 

 

Kidney International® 

The Mayo MGRS Prediction Tool calculates the risk of finding monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance in a kidney biopsy in patients with monoclonal gammopathy  

Determining which patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and monoclonal gammopathy should undergo a kidney biopsy to diagnose monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) remains a clinical challenge. 

Researchers developed and validated the Mayo MGRS Prediction Tool, using eight clinical variables from blood and urine tests to assess the risk of MGRS lesions in a cohort of 280 patients. 

The tool demonstrated strong predictive performance and can help clinicians better identify patients with CKD at risk of MGRS, guiding biopsy decisions. 

 

Kidney International Reports® 

Point-of-care testing and integrated digital health technology for chronic kidney disease screening in high-risk populations of India 

CKD often goes undiagnosed in its early stages, especially in high-risk and underserved populations, leading to progression and costly treatments. 

This pilot study tested the feasibility of using point-of-care testing (POCT) and digital health tools to screen for CKD in over 2,000 individuals from high-risk urban and rural communities in Andhra Pradesh, India. 

CKD was identified in more than half of participants, yet only a small percentage were aware of their condition, highlighting the potential of POCT and digital health tools to enable early detection and reduce care costs. 

 

 

From global policy tools to community-driven projects and early-career development, ISN’s research initiatives offer meaningful opportunities for all professionals committed to advancing kidney care. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to broaden your impact, you can grow, collaborate, and drive real impact through ISN-supported research activities. We invited several contributors to share what being part of these initiatives means to them. 

ISN-GKHA: Mapping global kidney care to drive policy and systems change 

“Based on the wealth of data we have, the ISN-GKHA Interactive Map has helped bring it to life, making it accessible, comprehensible, and impactful. It has strengthened our ability to communicate data-driven insights to policymakers, stakeholders, and people living with kidney disease. This is just the beginning — future iterations will enable us to track more progress and emerging trends in a continuous and truly dynamic way. I’m proud to have contributed to a resource that supports equity and advocacy in kidney health worldwide.” Somkanya Tungsanga (Thailand) 

i3C: Understanding CKDu in communities 

“Collaborating with the i3C group has been an invaluable experience, offering exceptional opportunities to connect with leading experts worldwide who share a commitment to advancing research in CKDu, a disease I am deeply passionate about. The group fosters intellectual curiosity and meaningful global collaboration.  I am proud to be part of such an inspiring and dynamic community as a Fellow and now as a junior faculty member!” Anna Strasma (United States) 

iNET-CKD: Collaborating through global cohort studies to advance kidney research  

“Leading one of the iNET-CKD studies offered me a unique opportunity to help shape collaborative research from the ground up and deepened my connection to the global kidney community. This experience has been instrumental in shaping my identity as a scientist and opened doors I had not imagined early in my career.” Natalia Alencar De Pinho (France) 

ISN Global Trials Focus: Strengthening research literacy through key clinical trial insights 

“With so many new studies emerging in nephrology, learning how to critically evaluate clinical research has become essential. The ISN Global Trials Focus has been an incredible opportunity to grow this skill. It’s inspiring to be part of a global community where early-career and experienced researchers learn from each other and contribute to advancing kidney care together.” Anastasiia Zykova (Russian Federation) 

ISN-ACT “Guide for Everyone”: Building research awareness 

“Like so many ISN activities, participating in the creation of the ‘Guide for Everyone’ — a resource that helps make clinical trials more understandable for the general public — was invigorating. Collaborating with people living with kidney disease doing extraordinary work for kidney health in their local communities is a privilege and a powerful reminder of how much we can learn from one another and the values we share.” Brendan Smyth (Australia) 

SharE-RR: Empowering everyone to build renal registries for better care 

“Being involved in this work has shown me just how vital renal registries are -for planning services, ensuring quality, supporting advocacy, and advancing research. They offer a clear picture of kidney health on a global scale. Yet, I’ve seen firsthand the lack of registries in many low- and middle-income countries, where they’re needed most. That’s why I believe the SharE-RR Toolkit can play a key role in helping build and strengthen kidney registries, especially in low-resource settings.” Maria Pippias (United Kingdom) 

Are you looking to get involved in impactful kidney research? 

ISN research initiatives create opportunities to grow professionally, drive change locally and globally, and connect with a community of passionate kidney care advocates. Contact research@theisn.org for more information. 

 

Kazutoshi Mori, distinguished professor at Kyoto University’s Institute for Advanced Study, will present the WCN’26 plenary session “Dynamics of the function and regulation of the endoplasmic reticulum.” The lecture will explore how cellular stress responses are managed within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), with implications for chronic diseases, including those affecting the kidneys.  

Registration for WCN’26 opens September 16 – find out more! 

Professor Mori’s pioneering research in molecular and cellular biology has shed light on how cells adapt to protein misfolding stress and how these processes might be harnessed or corrected in future therapies. With decades of experience in Japan and the U.S., Professor Mori brings deep insight to one of the most dynamic areas in biomedical research. 

Learn more about Kazutoshi Mori 

Join us at the WCN’26 opening ceremony for this fascinating lecture, setting the stage for a rich scientific program spanning the latest advances in nephrology, from cutting-edge discoveries to practical clinical insights. 

Presenting an abstract at the ISN World Congress of Nephrology (WCN) is a chance to be part of something bigger — a global exchange of ideas that drives innovation and improves lives. 

Join experts and changemakers from around the world to share breakthroughs, spark collaboration, and make your mark on the future of kidney care. 

Showcase your contributions to kidney care – submit your abstract to WCN’26 by October 22 

WCN Abstract Awards celebrate contributions in kidney care that demonstrate originality, relevance, and real-world impact.  

 

          

For Jessica Bravo Zúñiga (Peru), receiving a Best Abstract Award in 2025 was not only an honor but also an opportunity to spotlight kidney health efforts in her country. “We were proud that among publications from all over the world, our work was recognized,” she shares. The exposure helped her institution, the Peruvian Social Security Institute, gain further support for research in kidney disease prevention. Having their findings published in Kidney International Reports® expanded the reach of their work, sparking professional exchange and collaboration. 

Pankaj Jawandhiya (India) recalls the moment as one of personal pride and professional momentum. “My name was displayed everywhere as an awardee — it was a proud moment in representing my country,” he says. Following the recognition, colleagues began engaging more deeply with him in academic discussions, and the experience boosted his visibility in the nephrology community. “It’s something I’ll cherish forever.” 

Presenting at WCN left a lasting impression. Jessica was struck by the congress’s incredible diversity and the buzz of the opening ceremony. For Pankaj, the highlight was watching his work come to life and seeing it spark real interest. Both agree: Sharing their research on this global stage was more than a milestone — it was a springboard for connection, insight, and impact. 

As Jessica says, 

“It’s important to share what we do. Besides, what isn’t published doesn’t exist!” 

And from Pankaj: 

“I didn’t imagine I’d win — but it was a great experience. Don’t hesitate to present your research and connect with peers from around the world.” 

Their message to future participants is simple: Submit your work! 

 

The ISN invites renal pathologists, nephrologists and trainees from lower-, lower-middle-, and upper-middle-income countries to apply for an ISN Renal Pathology Bursary available for several key educational events in 2026.  

These bursaries aim to enhance diagnostic expertise, facilitating the early detection of kidney diseases and ultimately improving patient outcomes. 

Please read the guidelines carefully and submit your application by August 15. 

In 2026, attendance at the following key renal pathology events will be covered by the bursaries: 

• 6th International Renal Pathology Conference, in-person attendance, Antigua, Guatemala, February 11-14, 2026 

• Renal Pathology for the Nephrologist Course, Imperial College London, in-person attendance, London, UK, March 19-20, 2026 

• Renal Pathology Pre-congress Course at WCN’26, in-person attendance, Yokohama, Japan, March 28, 2026 

• The Columbia Renal Biopsy Course 2026, online attendance, July 2026 (date to be confirmed) 

• European Renal Pathology Course (includes a two-week mini-sabbatical), in-person attendance, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, July 2026 (date to be confirmed) 

• 19th Annual Conference of the Indian Society of Renal & Transplantation Pathology, in-person attendance, India, September 2026 (date and location to be confirmed) 

Each bursary provides a financial contribution toward travel and accommodation (or online registration where applicable). Selection is competitive and based on your experience, goals, and potential to improve renal pathology services locally. 

Successful candidates will be announced by the end of September 2025. 

If you require any assistance with your application, please email Mara Rodrigues at mrodrigues@theisn.org. 

Access renal pathology resources at the ISN Academy 

 

 

A recent editorial by members of the ISN Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) cohort 3, published in Kidney International Reports®, explores urgent global disparities in chronic kidney disease (CKD) diagnostics. The piece highlights barriers to early detection—such as limited access to basic testing, biopsy services, and genetic evaluation—and proposes a tiered strategy to address these inequities across different health system contexts. 

Read the editorial 

Join the next generation of global kidney health leaders: Apply by September 15 for ELP cohort 4 

“Overcoming diagnostic disparities in kidney disease: A call to action” took shape from a session organized by the cohort at WCN’25 in New Delhi, demonstrating also the value of the WCN scientific program in fostering collaboration to help translate ideas into tangible academic and advocacy outputs. 

This editorial is one of several initiatives led by the cohort aimed at improving the early detection and treatment of kidney disease by educating and supporting local healthcare providers, particularly in regions where access to specialists is limited.  

If you’re passionate about shaping the future of kidney care through research, collaboration, and leadership, this is your opportunity to connect with a global network driving real change in kidney health: Apply today!  

 

The ISN Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) fosters leadership potential to drive change in global kidney health. Since its launch, the ELP has become a springboard for early-career nephrologists and researchers to lead initiatives, shape policy, and influence the future of nephrology both locally and globally. 

Applications for the ISN Emerging Leaders Program are open! Apply by September 15! 

Here is just a small sample of how ELP members are now shaping the future of local and global kidney care through leadership roles. 

Cohort 1 

Anna Francis (Australia): Championing multidisciplinary leadership 

The scope of Anna Francis’ work highlights how the ELP nurtures multidisciplinary leadership. She is the president of the Australian and New Zealand Pediatric Nephrology Association, a councilor of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology, and a contributor to the KDIGO 2024 guidelines on the evaluation and management of chronic kidney disease. She was also named an ISN-Global Kidney Health Atlas (ISN-GKHA)Fellow for 2023–2024, in recognition of her contributions to global kidney health data and capacity building. She also contributed significantly to the joint international consensus statement “Chronic kidney disease and the global public health agenda: an international consensus,” which laid important groundwork for the WHO kidney disease resolution. 

Vivek Kumar (India): Driving research and local implementation  

Vivek Kumar is a member of the ISN South Asia Regional Board and the ISN Clinical Research Program and served on the ISN Nominating Committee (2023–2024). He also serves on the Scientific Committee of the Indian Society of Nephrology.  

As a direct example of the ELP’s influence on research funding and local implementation of ISN tools, he secured two national grants as lead principal investigator from the Indian Council of Medical Research: one to establish a multi-centric clinical trial on metformin use in polycystic kidney disease, and another to implement the ISN Acute Kidney Injury Toolkit at community health centers. 

Cohort 2 

Peace Bagasha (Uganda): Expanding kidney care systems 

Peace Bagasha’s work has a national impact and aligns with ISN’s global initiatives. She leads the nephrology unit at Mulago Hospital and plays a pivotal role in Uganda’s new transplant program. Her involvement as the country lead for Uganda in the ISN-supported Capacity Accelerator Regional Empowerment in Nephrology (CARE-NEPH) East Africa Project is helping to build sustainable kidney care systems in the region. She also serves as a board member of the Uganda Kidney Foundation, where she is responsible for research. 

Maria Pippias (UK): Advancing sustainability in kidney care 

Maria Pippias is a member of the National Health Service Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) Environmental Sustainability in Transplantation (ESIT) group. She has delivered several talks on sustainable kidney care, including a plenary at the 2024 ISPD conference in Dubai, and presentations at ERA 2024 and AFRAN 2025. She is the author of an invited review on sustainable peritoneal dialysis, currently under review in Peritoneal Dialysis International. 

Maria actively contributes to ISN initiatives as a member of the Western Europe Regional Board and has played a key role in developing the ISN–SharE-RR Toolkit, offering guidance on establishing renal registries worldwide. In recognition of her contributions to global kidney health data and capacity building, she was named an ISN-GKHA Fellow for 2023–2024. 

If you’re ready to take the next step in shaping kidney care in your region — and globally, apply to the ELP now! 

The ELP is supported by unrestricted educational grants from AstraZeneca and Boehringer Ingelheim.