The Sheffield Kidney Institute (SKI) has been at the forefront of clinical research and investigations for a quarter of a century. Initially emphasis was on the study of glomerulonephritis and renal osteodystrophy. This research was led by Professor Colin Brown (now retired). Over the last ten years, Dr Martin Wilkie has led the clinical research team as well as the Sheffield Kidney Institute Technology Assessment Group (SKITAG). Clinical research has expanded considerably under his guidance with a participation in a large number of national and international clinical trials including SHARP, AURORA, OPPORTUNITY amongst others. Clinical investigation at the SKI covers all aspects of Nephrology with clinical trails on CKD, Dialysis and Transplantation.

Clinical investigation involving Professor Meguid El Nahas at the SKI has included over the last 5 years a number of epidemiological investigations focusing on the prevalence of CKD in the community. These have been conducted in collaboration with the Sheffield School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR). These epidemiological studies focus on the prevalence of CKD in the community and the impact of factors such as social geography, poverty and obesity on its prevalence.