The PKD Foundation’s principal mission is to support basic, translational and clinical research that will benefit patients with autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD and ARPKD).

The PKD Foundation is interested in fostering research in the areas relevant to PKD with the goal of furthering our understanding of the physiological, biochemical, molecular and genetic mechanisms of this disease. This fellowship is designed to facilitate young investigators to obtain significant research experience as they initiate careers in PKD research. This program is intended to assure the continuity over time of outstanding investigators committed to the study of PKD.

Under this RFA, the PKD Foundation solicits research fellowship applications in the following areas:

• Basic research – to enhance understanding of molecular basis of PKD and its pathobiology
• Translational research – to accelerate development of predictive and therapeutic strategies for PKD
• Clinical research – such as small pilot studies

Epidemiology/data analysis research – to conduct secondary data analyses utilizing existing database resources, or to develop new statistical methodologies or test hypotheses using existing data

Special consideration will be given to proposed research in the following areas:

• Autosomal Recessive PKD (ARPKD)
• ADPKD in children
• Behavioral interventions (e.g., in dietary habits)
• PKD drug discovery
• Epidemiology/ data analysis (e.g., using existing datasets)
• Extra-renal manifestations of PKD, including but not limited to congenital hepatic fibrosis, polycystic liver disease and intracranial aneurysms
• Clinical care disparities (e.g., race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, rural versus urban)
• Drug delivery mechanisms

ELIGIBILITY

Fellows may submit a proposal that examines any aspect of polycystic kidney disease biology. Applicants must:

• Hold an M.D. or Ph.D. or the equivalent degree at the time of the award.
• May not have completed the equivalent of more than four years of research training (excluding clinical training) after completion of the M.D. (or equivalent) or postdoctoral research training after the Ph.D. at the time the award begins. This does not include medical leave or FMLA.
• Complete research under the direction of a mentor.
• Not hold another full fellowship award although institutional supplemental support is acceptable.
• Commit a minimum of 75% of time to research and training during the fellowship period.