The UK Kidney Association (UKKA) is proud to celebrate the incredible achievements of individuals making a difference in kidney healthcare. Last year, Sharon Huish received the prestigious Donna Lamping MDT Researcher Award for her outstanding contributions to research in kidney care.

“After years of challenges, including late nights working on research and navigating grant rejections, receiving this award was overwhelming,” Sharon shared. “It’s hard to put into words what it meant but after years of people asking me why I do everything I do (the evenings spent working on research), and after the grant rejections and challenges… I remember receiving the award and thinking ‘this is why.’ Having my efforts recognised at a national level made me feel like ‘I must be doing something right.’”

“Professionally it’s increased my confidence and given me greater recognition. It’s also helped me to evidence the value of my research work locally at my Trust.”

Sharon also described the unforgettable experience of presenting her work at UK Kidney Week in front of 1,000 delegates. “All of the people coming up to me afterwards and saying what an inspiring talk it was and how it had encouraged them to do some research themselves or to support others – very surreal!”

“It made me realise how through sharing personal experience we can help each other and empower others.”

The Donna Lamping MDT Researcher Award celebrates those advancing collaborative research in nephrology, and Sharon emphasised its significance: “It’s extremely important to recognise our colleagues – it means so much to individuals and importantly it helps raise the profile of the MPT.”

Do you know someone making an exceptional impact in kidney care? The UK Kidney Association invites you to nominate them for one of our awards or lectureships, including:

• Donna Lamping MDT Researcher Award

• Lifetime Achievement Award

• Chandos, Osman, De Wardener, O'Donoghue, and Stewart Cameron Lectures

These awards celebrate excellence in kidney healthcare, research, and education, recognising the individuals shaping the future of nephrology.

How to Nominate: Submit a 100-word nomination statement to ukka@ukkidney.org by Monday, 27 January 2025. Include details about the nominee’s contributions and why they deserve to be recognised.

Let’s celebrate the exceptional people driving innovation and collaboration in kidney healthcare!

For full details on the awards and lectureships, visit: https://www.ukkidney.org/health-professionals/education-development/nam…