Understanding how heat and work exposures affect kidney health in outdoor workers
Official title: Pathways underlying kidney vulnerability in outdoor workers
Funded at Trustees of Indiana University · NIH-11416603 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at why outdoor workers are at higher risk for kidney problems due to heat exposure and related stress on the kidneys.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trustees of Indiana University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bloomington, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $775,549 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK144492-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11416603 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who work in outdoor occupations with potential heat exposure and risk of kidney problems.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without significant heat exposure or preexisting kidney conditions may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
Outdoor workers may develop kidney issues from repeated heat exposure. The study will follow workers, measure kidney-related biomarkers in blood and urine, and monitor body temperature and other health indicators over time. Researchers aim to identify how heat stress and occupational factors contribute to acute kidney problems and long-term kidney decline. The findings could guide safer work practices and early detection for those at risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to better protection strategies and earlier monitoring to prevent kidney injury in outdoor workers.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests a link between heat stress and kidney injury, but this project seeks to clarify mechanisms and long-term impact in outdoor workers.
Where this research is happening
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Trustees of Indiana University
Bloomington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schlader, Zachary Joseph — Trustees of Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Schlader, Zachary Joseph
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.