Research & Education
Mission Statement
Values
The Irish Nephrology Society has supported Irish researchers in the study of kidney disease since its inception. Many of the Nephrology leaders in this country have passed through fellowship programmes supported by industry-sponsored funds administered through the Society. The work performed during these fellowships has led to new discoveries about the causes of kidney disease and better treatments for affected patients. We therefore continue to value and promote:
Research excellence. The Society-sponsored research will be of the highest possible quality, of international standing and leading to measurable improvements in patient care. The Irish Nephrology research community is small so will inevitably need to focus on specific areas. These themes will develop and expand organically as they receive peer-reviewed support.
Academic development of our Nephrology trainees. We view academic scholarship as a cornerstone in the development of the Nephrology leaders of tomorrow (be they doctors, nurses, scientists or allied health professionals), who will incorporate the capacity for independent thought and critical appraisal into their clinical practice. Enriching the Irish Nephrology community with research-active practitioners elevates the quality of clinical delivery.
An all-Ireland approach to Nephrology research. We value the collaboration and involvement of researchers in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Mentorship of young trainees. The Society recognises the importance of careful mentorship across the continuum of academic training, so that trainees can achieve their full potential and deliver the greatest benefit to Irish society.
Close inter-disciplinary collaboration. We appreciate the critical importance of combining intellect and resources across disciplines and sites to achieve the most effective outcome. Movement of funded fellows and scientists between Irish groups and units abroad is the most effective means of cementing and enhancing collaborations, as well as cross-fertilising ideas.
Responsible governance. Healthcare research is resource intensive and increasingly occurs in an environment of resource scarcity. The Society will manage both its financial and personnel capital in a prudent manner.
Vision
Irish Nephrology researchers will participate in and lead discovery and innovation with international impact across a range of disciplines from the bench to the clinic and vice versa.
Mission
We shall:
use funds made available to the Society to transparently support excellent kidney research in a manner that maximises the health benefit to Irish society
measure and record the outcomes of that research
allocate funding following a process of independent peer review
provide a mix of pump-prime fellowship funding, project based and national infrastructure support; fellowship funding that formally links an Irish unit to a recognised centre abroad will be prioritised
leverage available funds against other matched funding sources where possible
provide formal mentorship to aspiring Nephrology academics, ensuring where possible matching between the individual and Irish thematic areas of strength
strive towards a fully funded and supported network of Nephrology researchers across the island of Ireland, using this to drive broad international collaboration
act as a point of contact and broker between industry and Irish academic Nephrology
establish an independent fund raising mechanism with a view to moving INS research support onto a sustainable footing