News

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.