Created in 2002, the Lillian Jean Kaplan International Prize for the Advancement in the Understanding of Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), recognizes a medical professional or researcher showing excellence and leadership in PKD clinical or basic research. With a cash prize of US$50,000, it is one of the most significant awards in the medical research field.

The 2013 Award will be presented to the winner in person at the World Congress of Nephrology in Hong Kong in June 2013. In addition to the $50,000 USD prize, he or she will receive a citation depicting the his or her work and a Steuben crystal sculpture.

The Prize us supported through the continuing generosity of Mr. Thomas Kaplan of New York, USA in memory of his mother Lillian Jean Kaplan who was a PKD sufferer and died in 2002. The selection of the Prize winner is jointly overseen by ISN and the PKD Foundation.

The long term goal of the Prize is to stimulate members of the scientific and medical community throughout the world to work for a treatment and cure for the millions of people who suffer from PKD. It also aims to generate momentum in the field as well as public awareness about the disease.