News

Across the ISN’s research groups and committees, this year has been defined by one theme: Turning global collaboration into real-world impact. From uncovering the drivers of chronic kidney disease of unknown origin (CKDu) to strengthening renal registries and shaping the next wave of clinical trials, these groups have been steadily building momentum — work that will culminate in exciting research-related sessions at WCN’26 in Yokohama, Japan.   

ISN i3C: Bringing clarity to CKDu research, one shared insight at a time 

The ISN i3C (International Consortium CKDu Collaborators) Working Group and Network continued to review ongoing projects at regular meetings. These meetings provide a platform to compare data, challenge assumptions, and strengthen understanding of CKDu.  

Do you have a CKDu study or early findings you want an expert eye on? ISN i3C “Work in Progress” meetings offer direct feedback from leading CKDu experts — an invaluable chance to refine your work and influence global understanding. Contact Research@theisn.org.   

ISN-ACT: Building better clinical trials through global collaboration  

The ISN-Advancing Clinical Trials (ISN-ACT) Committee and Core Group met throughout the year to discuss subgroup achievements and new project ideas. Their work directly informs the upcoming  Clinical Trials Course at WCN’26, “Tools to Strengthen Global Kidney Trials: Design, Innovative Endpoints, and Communication Across Regions,” providing clinicians with practical strategies, innovative endpoints, and a clearer roadmap to turn research ideas into impactful global studies. 

Join sessions related to clinical trials at WCN’26 

SharE-RR: Strengthening registries so every patient counts 

The Sharing Expertise to support the Set-up of Renal Registries (SharE-RR) Advisory Group continued its mission to support equitable renal registry development. By sharing regional progress, refining support tools, and aligning priorities, the group is helping countries move from fragmented data to stronger, more actionable insights. SharE-RR exchange sessions will take place at WCN’26.   

Attend renal registry-related sessions at WCN’26 

If you are building, or would like to build, a renal registry, the SharE-RR Toolkit and community offer step-by-step guidance shaped by global experience.  

ISN-GKHA: Advancing global kidney care through data  

The ISN-GKHA Team began preparations for the fourth edition of the ISN-Global Kidney Health Atlas (ISN-GKHA), expected in 2027. By expanding the scope of the data and refining how insights are presented, the next edition aims to better support policymakers, clinicians, and advocates working to improve kidney care worldwide. 

Join the GKHA session at WCN’26 

Curious how your country compares, or looking to direct support where it’s needed most? The ISN-GKHA Interactive Map turns global kidney health data into a clear, actionable visual tool for advocacy, planning, and impact. 

iNET-CKD: Advancing chronic kidney disease (CKD) cohort synergies  

The iNET-CKD cohort network released an updated version of the iNET-CKD infographic of 26 CKD cohort studies and has refined the protocol for an upcoming collaborative CKD study, including work on data transfer agreements for participating cohorts.  

The team submitted a perspective paper to Kidney International Reports® outlining best practices for designing and conducting CKD cohort studies. They also prepared guidelines for a new “work in progress” meeting series to showcase iNET-CKD cohort studies and strengthen collaboration across the network. The first session will launch in 2026. 

Look out for the Table Talk session, “Designing the Future of CKD Cohorts” at WCN’26. 

Turning research into results 

Together, the ISN’s research groups and committees are driving innovation, collaboration, and impact. Get involved in shaping the future of kidney research and positively impacting the lives of people living with kidney disease worldwide.