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GREAT CARE FOR LITTLE KIDNEYS. EVERYWHERE.
The IPNA Clinician Scientist Academy aims to strengthen clinical research capacity in pediatric nephrology worldwide. By providing training and mentorship in clinical research methods, the Academy supports pediatric nephrologists in developing the skills needed to generate new knowledge, advance evidence-based care, and improve outcomes for children with kidney disease. The program is designed to foster research excellence and address global inequities in access to clinical research opportunities.
We have a monthly core seminar series and research in progress meetings during which fellows can discuss their proposals with mentors and peers and receive feedback. No monetary awards are associated with the program.
The IPNA Clinician Scientist Academy is comprised of a co-Chair (Jonathan Craig), co-Chair (Susan Samuel), 18 faculty mentors, and 25 early career researchers (fellows) from different parts of the world.
The first cycle of the academy will finish soon. The application call for the next cohort of fellows will open during summer 2026.
A structured training program of 1 year duration is offered for successful applicants with an optional additional year of support from mentors to help build up and/or complete a clinical research study. The training program includes:
The IPNA Clinician Scientist Academy is a two-year program, in line with the biennial IPNA Congress.
Selection criteria for fellows include 1) equity (geography and gender), 2) membership of IPNA, 3) early career, 4) evidence of institutional support, and strong letter of endorsement, 5) demonstrated potential for leadership in clinical research and commitment to incorporate research within a clinical career.
Mentor selection is guided via a structured application process and review of qualifications by IPNA leadership. Appointment term is 3 years. Criteria for evaluation include evidence of clinical research expertise in at least one of: diagnostic tests, screening studies, cohort studies, randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, clinical practice guidelines, qualitative methods, patient engagement in research, or basic biostatistical methods. Other educational skills, experience in capacity development, and equity will be considered in the selection. Faculty who apply should be willing to mentor 1-2 fellows to develop and implement a clinical research project over a period of 3 years, and are expected to attend an annual in-person meeting concurrent with an IPNA-sponsored event.
Fellows or faculty will not receive any remuneration for their participation. Travel grants will be provided to Fellows to attend a yearly in-person workshop (usually concurrent with an IPNA sponsored international meeting). Small grants of $1000 USD will be provided to kick start Fellow-led research projects after a review process by Faculty within the Academy.
Fellows who complete the program will be provided with a certificate of completion from IPNA. Certificate of completion will be contingent on the fellow submitting a completed and actionable clinical research protocol at the end 2-year time period.
Surveys pre and post Academy would be used to assess the effectiveness of the Program.
IPNA Clinician Scientist Academy
IPNA Clinician Scientist Academy hosted its first in-person workshop in Cape Town on February 20 during the IPNA 2025 Congress. Throughout the workshop, the fellows had the opportunity to take part in multiple interactive sessions and receive feedback on their projects from the mentors.
