Northern Counties Kidney Research Fund supports Prof Sayer’s work in kidney gene therapy at Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

John Sayer is Professor of Renal Medicine at Newcastle University and a consultant nephrologist at the Freeman Hospital, leading work in inherited kidney disorders—particularly cystic kidney disease and nephronophthisis.

From January to June 2025 Professor Sayer undertook a research sabbatical to Boston Children’s Hospital as a Visiting Professor attending the laboratory of Professor Freidehelm Hildebarant[1].

The Northern Counties Kidney Research Fund were delighted to support some of the travel costs for Professor Sayer to make the transatlantic trip.

Professor Sayer learnt new techniques to enable gene delivery into the kidney and is bringing these valuable insights back to Newcastle to continue the work In collaboration with colleagues at Harvard University.

Going forwards, Professor Sayer’s lab will be applying for grant awards to allow gene therapy in the kidney studies to continue in the UK.