Dr Bnar Talabani
BSc, MBBCh, MRCP, PhD
Expertise
I am a clinical academic nephrology trainee, combining clinical care with translational research. My research focuses on manipulating macrophages (important immune cells) to halt or reduce the severity of kidney disease.
Current positions
NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer in Renal Medicine
Bristol Medical School (THS)
Contact
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Biography
Dr Talabani’s research explores macrophage heterogeneity and the mechanisms by which immune responses contribute to renal injury, fibrosis, and disease progression. Using advanced translational and molecular approaches, her work aims to identify novel therapeutic targets that may improve outcomes for patients with chronic kidney disease and kidney failure caused by diabetes. She is also involved in broader work addressing kidney health inequalities and improving equity in renal care and research and co-authored the Kidney Research UK national report titled: 'Time to Act on Health Inequalities.'
Alongside her academic and clinical work, Dr Talabani has been widely recognised for her public health advocacy and leadership. A founding member of Muslim Doctors Cymru, she played a prominent role in combating COVID-19 vaccine misinformation, particularly within minority ethnic communities, and contributed to national and international science communication initiatives, including Team Halo (a United Nations initiative) and the British Society for Immunology. In recognition of her services to the NHS and ethnic minority communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, she was awarded an MBE in the 2022 New Year Honours and was awareded the Royal Society of Biology award for Leadership in Public Engagement.
Research interests
My research interests focus on understanding macrophage heterogeneity and function in the context of renal inflammation and progressive chronic kidney disease. I am particularly interested in the role of macrophages in the early progression of diabetic kidney disease, with the aim of defining how distinct macrophage populations contribute to inflammation, tissue injury, and fibrosis within the kidney microenvironment.
Using a range of novel and translational techniques, including advanced immune profiling and molecular approaches, my work seeks to elucidate the mechanisms by which macrophages drive disease progression. Through this research, I have identified several novel mechanistic targets that may represent potential therapeutic pathways for preventing or slowing the progression of diabetic kidney disease. My broader goal is to improve understanding of immune-mediated kidney injury and to support the development of targeted therapies for patients with chronic kidney disease.