David Harris

Biography

Professor David Harris is a nephrologist who is internationally recognised for his research on the prevention and management of early and late-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) and his work on preventing/slowing CKD progression. He is Director of Nephrology & Dialysis in Western Sydney Renal Service, President-elect of the International Society of Nephrology and Past-President of the Asian Pacific Society of Nephrology. Professor Harris is an international expert in renal dialysis and leader in the field of tubular interstitial disease and CKD. His research has generated important novel observations and advances, including identifying contributors to CKD progression such as tubular hypermetabolism, oxidant damage, proteinuric tubular injury and interstitial inflammation, and highlighting the potential of regulatory cells and DNA vaccination for treating CKD. He co-led the IDEAL trial, a 10-year study assessing early versus late initiation of dialysis for end-stage kidney disease. Considered one of the most influential trials in nephrology, the results have led to major changes in dialysis practice worldwide. Professor Harris has held numerous executive positions in national and international nephrology organisations, helping advance the governance and structure of nephrological clinical practice, teaching and research around the world. Professor Harris has contributed to Australian and international nephrology guidelines including CARI and KDIGO. He has received many awards recognising his professional contributions including Kidney Health Australia?s highest scientific honour, the Kincaid-Smith Medal (2012) for outstanding clinical and scientific achievement in research into treatment of diseases of the kidney and urinary tract, and the SMS Distinguished Professorial Award, 2016.

Research Interest

Professor Harris leads clinical research on the prevention and management of CKD including studies on peritoneal and haemodialysis for the management of patients with end-stage kidney disease. Additionally, he directs a laboratory research program focused on understanding the pathophysiology of CKD progression and more recently, the use of cellular and other novel approaches to slow CKD progression. He has been involved in numerous investigator- and industry-initiated clinical trials, the results of which have contributed significantly to clinical practice and informed Australian and international guidelines. Chief among these was the IDEAL trial (New England Journal of Medicine 2010) which showed planned early initiation of dialysis in patients with stage V CKD was not associated with an improvement in survival or clinical outcomes, challenging prevailing clinical practice and leading to changes to guidelines on dialysis.In recent years he has collaborated in the Blue Mountains Eye Study studying eye and other diseases in CKD. Currently he is a chief investigator in a randomised controlled trial aimed at slowing the progression of renal failure due to autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and CKD-FIX, a trial of allopurinol in the slowing of kidney disease progression.