Our grants program

Dr Helen MacLaughlin (Queensland University of Technology)

In Australia, obesity affects 1-in-3 people. Extra weight causes kidney damage and makes existing damage worse, faster. Together with people with kidney disease, we’ve designed a weight-loss program using meal replacements plus expert support for maintaining weight-loss. This study tests the acceptability of the program in 50 people with kidney disease and obesity. Half the group follow the weight-loss program, and half continue with usual kidney care. Allocation to groups is by chance. Willingness to join, adherence, weight-loss and participants’ experience are measured. Our findings will deliver a program for use in future studies of weight loss on slowing kidney damage.

A/Prof Xin-Ming Chen (The University of Sydney)

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is caused by diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and ageing. Current clinical treatments for CKD are largely ineffective in preventing the progression of CKD. At the end stage kidney disease, Kidney transplantation and dialysis are the only options in clinic, which results in a significant burden on the health system. Our pilot studies have shown that stem cells produced small particles called exosomes prevented the progress of kidney damage caused by a large dose of folic acid in mice. This project aims to systemically investigate if these exosomes prevent kidney damage in other animal models of CKD. A part of the results raised from this project has significantly contributed to a great successful $2m NHMRC Investigator Grant led by Professor Carol Pollock. This successful NHMRC grant ($2m) has secured this project’s research in CKD for next 5 years through supporting staff employment and supplies of consumables.

A/Prof Rachael Morton, NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney

The Symptom monitoring WI th Feedback Trial (SWIFT) measures symptoms and quality of life, then feeds information back to a dialysis nurse and kidney doctor. It has improved communication between patients and clinical teams and won an award at the ACTA International Clinical Trials Conference in October 2019. This research has received additional funding through an NHMRC grant.

Prof David Castle, St. Vincent’s Hospital

Depression and anxiety are highly prevalent in individuals with chronic kidney disease, and rates increase with the decline of kidney function. This program provides psychosocial support to help patients manage their illness and build skills to navigate the healthcare system. Outcomes have shown improvements, and the program has since received additional funding through MRFF. It will expand to incorporate a larger number of participants, including patients in both rural and metropolitan areas.

Prof Angela Webster, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney

This research is aimed at helping people on dialysis understand the choices they have about their health through the use of a tablet and phone app. The intention is for dialysis patients to feel informed and empowered about changes that will improve their health and quality of life. Benefits include a reduced need for unscheduled or emergency health care visits. To support multicultural communities, the app has been translated into Arabic and Mandarin.