# The Boston University Kidney and Medical Engineering Program (BU-KIDMEP)

> **NIH NIH R25** · BOSTON MEDICAL CENTER · 2021 · $136,034

## Abstract

Project Summary
Major challenges facing nephrology today are declining interest in the field and lack of innovation and novel
drug and device development. These factors may be related. Students who perceive nephrology as stagnant
may be attracted to other specialties, thereby robbing the nephrology workforce of talented students who could
innovate and advance the field. The R25 Funding Opportunity Announcement by NIDDK to spark interest in
nephrology is therefore timely and an exciting opportunity to address a major need in the evolution of
nephrology and the care of patients with kidney diseases. We propose the development of the Boston
University Kidney and Medical Engineering Program (BU-KIDMEP). Our ultimate goal is to inspire talented
young scholars to improve the lives of individuals with kidney disease through innovative technology solutions.
To accomplish this, we have designed a program that: 1) Identifies students interested in technology and
engineering across Boston University, with an emphasis on undergraduates; 2) Pairs students with a
mentoring team comprised of a research/technology expert and a nephrology expert; 3) Fosters a 6- to 24-
month long education program that includes didactic training, clinical immersion, and technology development;
4) Showcases research at capstone symposia; and 5) Tracks metrics to improve the program's success in
attracting students to technology and kidney disease.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10229883
- **Project number:** 1R25DK128858-01
- **Recipient organization:** BOSTON MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Vipul C Chitalia
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $136,034
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-04-01 → 2026-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10229883

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10229883, The Boston University Kidney and Medical Engineering Program (BU-KIDMEP) (1R25DK128858-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10229883. Licensed CC0.

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