The Kidney Institute at the University of Kansas Medical Center

For exemplary research and treatment of kidney diseases

In 2000 The Kidney Institute was awarded a grant from the National Institutes of Health which was matched by KUMC to construct a 4 million dollar research laboratory to house the core group of principal investigators who work on kidney-related research problems and to serve as faculty for this training program. The Kidney Institute, which provides an organizational structure based on the common theme of kidney research to overlay the existing Departmental and Divisional organizations, is a major strength of the training program. In addition to 16,000 sq feet of state-of-the art research space that houses investigators from various Departments at KUMC, the Kidney Institute offers trainees access to a wide variety of new, state-of-the-art equipment.

Since its inception, the Kidney Institute has been a catalyst for research in the area of Kidney Disease, promoted the training of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, and has established Core laboratories to provide specialized tools for the study of kidney diseases. The extensive interdepartmental participation in the program reflects an existing atmosphere of scientific collegiality and openness that allows trainees to take full advantage of the rich scientific resources that are available. The KI is fully integrated with the Division of Nephrology and houses a flourishing research program in nephrology and basic science that include a number of basic and clinical investigators from other departments and institutions.

The network of program faculty provides opportunities for training in a number of key areas that are relevant to critical needs for nephrologic research in coming years. These include:

1. the molecular genetics and pathogenesis of human diseases;
2. state-of-the-art receptor and signal transduction biochemistry;
3. kidney and developmental biology;
4. molecular determinants of calcium phosphate metabolism and the pathogenesis of metabolic bone disease;
5. clinical decision analysis and outcomes research for kidney diseases and hypertension;
6. epithelial transport and metabolism.

The participation of a diverse and talented set of preceptors in a superb scientific environment provides an atmosphere that is ideal for training young investigators.