Important update about the UK Organ Donation and Transplantation Research Network
As you may be aware, the UK Organ Donation and Transplantation Research Network was established in 2020 by founding organisations NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), the British Transplantation Society (BTS), and Kidney Research UK. We are now writing to let you know that the network will be operating under a new structure to support its continued growth and development.
Thanks to the dedication and support of our community of patients, health professionals, researchers, and collaborators, the UKODTRN is ready to transition to an independent Community Interest Company from 31st March 2026. This change will give the network greater flexibility and sustainability as it continues to grow, and has been endorsed by the network's founding partners. From this date, it will no longer operate under its current Memorandum of Understanding between Kidney Research UK, NHSBT, and BTS.
What will stay the same
The UKODTRN's mission will remain unchanged. It will continue to deliver the same activities, operate under the same name, and be led by Co-directors Karen Rockell and Adnan Sharif. Its commitment to advancing transplantation research for patient benefit continues as strongly as ever.
The network will continue to be there for you at www.ukodtrn.org and on all existing social media platforms.
What happens next
In the coming weeks, we will contact you with details about how to continue receiving communications from the network and stay updated on its work. Due to data protection regulations, we cannot transfer any personal data to the new company, so you will need to sign up again to keep hearing from us. We want to ensure that you find this process as straightforward as possible.
We would like to thank you and everyone who has contributed to the UKODTRN over the past six years. Your support has been vital to our success, and we hope you will continue to be a part of this important work as we enter a new chapter.