About us


We are a community-focused organisation dedicated to making organ donation and transplantation research accessible, understandable, and meaningful to everyone. 

Our work bridges the gap between complex scientific research and the people it impacts most - patients, donor families, living donors, and the wider public. By translating medical and academic knowledge into plain language, we empower individuals and communities to better understand, engage with, and benefit from research in this vital field.

We believe that knowledge should not be limited to specialists. It should be shared, inclusive, and shaped by the voices of those it affects.

Our work

We make research in organ donation and transplantation more accessible through a range of practical and engaging activities:

  • We provide plain language summaries of published studies, research
    protocols, and ongoing work to help people stay informed without needing a scientific background.
  • We transform complex medical and scientific information into formats that are easy to understand and relevant to patients, families, and communities.
  • We organise and deliver educational initiatives including webinars, podcasts, and public events where researchers and professionals explain their work in a clear and engaging way.
  • We act as a connector, bringing together researchers, clinicians, healthcare professionals, and academics to encourage collaboration and the exchange of knowledge.
  • Central to our work is supporting patient and public involvement in research. We create meaningful opportunities for patients, donor families, living donors, and members of the public to take part in discussions and contribute to research.

Our aims

1. Educate and disseminate research to researchers, patients, and the public

Promote broad understanding of organ donation and transplantation research by translating complex scientific findings into clear, accessible formats - through plain-language summaries, webinars, podcasts, and digital or in-person events - ensuring that patients, donor families, potential donors, community organisations, and the wider public can engage with and benefit from research developments.

 

2. Lead the UK in patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) in organ donation and transplant research

Champion inclusive participation by creating meaningful opportunities for patients, donor families, and the public to contribute to, inform, and influence organ donation and transplantation research - enabling genuine dialogue between the research community and those most affected, and setting the standard for PPIE in this field across the UK.

 

3. Build and sustain a national network of organ donation and transplantation researchers

Unite healthcare professionals, academics, clinicians, and researchers across the UK to share knowledge, ideas, and findings; fostering collaboration and creating opportunities that accelerate progress in organ donation and transplantation research.

Our values

Accessibility: We believe everyone deserves access to clear, understandable information, regardless of background or expertise.

Transparency: We are committed to openness in how research is shared, explained, and discussed.

Collaboration: We foster partnerships between researchers, healthcare professionals, and communities to strengthen knowledge and impact.

Inclusion: We actively create space for diverse voices, particularly those directly affected by organ donation and transplantation.

Respect: We recognise and honour the experiences of patients, donors, and families, ensuring their perspectives are valued.

Our history

The UKODTRN was established in early 2020 by founding organisations NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), the British Transplantation Society (BTS), and Kidney Research UK , and had a focus on encouraging research collaboration across all organs.

The aim was also to facilitate equal access to the benefits of organ donation and transplantation research for patients and family members across the UK, regardless of geographical location or demographics.

Thanks to the dedication and support of our community of patients, health professionals, researchers, and collaborators, in April 2026 the UKODTRN transitions to a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (C.I.C.).

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.