ISN Pioneer Awards honor the 'unsung heroes' of nephrology. They reward doctors on a regional level who have carried out extraordinary efforts to advance nephrology in a specific country or region. Without their dedication, nephrology would have been far behind its current state in their country and region.

Countries which have been designated as high-income countries by World Bank criteria for > 5 years (as of March of the nominating year) will not be allowed to nominate candidates as the Pioneer Awards are restricted to those from non-high-income countries.

Eligible candidates:

• born in a non-high-income country (low, lower-middle, and upper-middle-income country by World Bank criteria) and have worked in a non-high-income country for the great majority of their career
• medically qualified
• have not previously won an international award made by a major nephrology society
• are NOT active in current ISN leadership, i.e., Councilor, ExCom member, Committee member, or Regional Board member

Nomination requirements (for WCN year 2021, 2023, 2025, etc.):

• Your details: complete name, ISN membership number, and country
• Nominee details: complete name (as listed in publications), country, and contact information
• Support statement: explain why the nominee should receive the award (maximum 300 words)
• Curriculum vitae of the nominee: 2-page maximum
• Letter(s) of support: mandatory (no more than three)

All nominations and supporting materials are to be sent via email to the Awards Coordinator.

The winners are selected by the Regional Boards and the ISN Core Programs Committee, chaired by the ISN Programs Chair. Awards are announced during WCN and presented during regional events throughout the corresponding WCN year.

Recipients of the 2019 Pioneer Award