What is basic science research and why is it important?

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When we hear the word research, most of us think of innovative breakthrough treatments and technologies. But applied clinical research could not be possible without another type of research called basic science research in which scientists study the fundamental processes of the human body. In this episode, we’ll learn what basic science research is and how it applies to the area of kidneys and kidney disease.

In this episode, we spoke with:

Hannah Wesselman

Hannah Wesselman is a PhD candidate at the University of Notre Dame studying the genetic mechanisms underlying kidney development in Dr. Rebecca Wingert's lab. Prior to her dissertation work, Hannah worked with Dr. Larissa Myaskovsky at the University of Pittsburgh Center for Research on Health Care, and their collaboration continued as Dr. Myaskovsky moved to the University of New Mexico Center for Healthcare Equity in Kidney Disease. During this time, Hannah worked directly with kidney transplant patients, and later published in CJASN on social determinants and race disparities in kidney transplant. Inspired by the strength of the kidney community, Hannah has returned to bench science in the hopes of identifying new treatment targets and has continued to connect with kidney patients through NKF advocacy.

Holly Kramer, M.D., MPH

Holly Kramer, M.D., MPH, is a practicing nephrologist who conducts research connecting nutrition and kidney health. Her connection to the National Kidney Foundation was inspired by her mom, who was a dialysis nurse and helped create some of the first dialysis units in Northwest Indiana. Dr. Kramer finds being on the NKF Board important, because it is the largest, patient-centered organization focusing on kidney disease. Her long-term goal is to increase national funding for kidney disease research and to heighten awareness about chronic kidney disease.

Joseph V. Bonventre, M.D., PhD

Dr. Bonventre is the Samuel A. Levine Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Constantine L. Hampers Distinguished Chair at Harvard Medical School and Professor of Health Sciences and Technology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is Chief of the Renal Division and Founding Chief of the Engineering in Medicine Division of the Brigham and Women's Hospital. In addition to his B.S. with distinction in Engineering Physics from Cornell, Dr. Bonventre holds M.D. and Ph.D. degrees in Biophysics from Harvard University. He has honorary doctorate degrees from Mt. Saint Mary’s College and from the Norwegian Institute of Science and Technology in Norway. He was Director of the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology for 10 years.

Additional resources:

Kidney Research

NKF Research Connect

NKF Patient Network

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