About Us

History

The need for a clinical trials network in the area of kidney disease was recognised by both the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology (ANZSN) Council and Kidney Health Australia (KHA). In late 2003 ANZSN and KHA asked for expressions of interest to form this Network, and in 2004 the proposal for the Network involving a Brisbane-based Operations Secretariat was endorsed by ANZSN and KHA to pursue the initiation and running of the Network.

Since then a group of national leaders in nephrology, representing geographically diverse locations and special interests have cooperated in forming the Network. KHA provided seed funding from 2005-2007 which enabled the Network to commence operations. The inaugural face-to-face meeting of core members of the Network's Operations Secretariat and Scientific Committee occurred on 10 November 2004 to finalise AKTN processes, including those related to governance and trial proposals.

The functions of the Network

The AKTN conducts and supports a broad range of research concerned with the prevention and treatment of kidney disease, emphasising patient-centred outcomes. The scope of research includes:

clinical trials in both paediatric and adult populations;
secondary prevention trials in high risk populations such as those with diabetes, indigenous groups, and those with proteinuria;
trials in patients with end-stage kidney disease, in particular the renal dialysis and renal transplant populations;
trials in patients with acute renal failure.

Staff (based at Brisbane Operations Office)

A/Prof Carmel Hawley - AKTN Operations Secretariat, Chair (profile)
Prof David Johnson - AKTN Operations Secretariat, Deputy Chair (profile)
Dr Sunil Badve - Clinical Trialist (profile)
Mrs Alicia Morrish - Clinical Operations Manager (profile)
Mrs Josephine Parry - Executive Support Officer (profile)
Ms Peta-Anne Paul-Brent - FAVOURED Clinical Project Manager (profile)
Ms Donna Reidlinger - IMPROVE Clinical Project Manager (profile)
Mr Charles Thompson - Biostatistician (profile)
Dr Liza Vergara - BLOCADE and HONEYPOT Clinical Research Associate (profile)
Ms Elaine Pascoe - Senior Data Manager/Biostatistician (profile)
Dr Michael Watson - FAVOURED and AVATAR Clinical Research Associate (profile)
Ms Kate Harlen - HERO and PEXIVAS Clinical Research Associate (profile)