Dr. Jeffrey B. Kopp is a world-renowned nephrologist and physician-scientist who serves on the Medical Advisory Board of the Texas Kidney Foundation (TKF). With a distinguished career at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where he led the Kidney Disease Section of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), Dr. Kopp has been at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries that have reshaped the field of nephrology.

He is best known for his seminal discovery of APOL1 genetic variants, which explain the disproportionately high rates of kidney disease among individuals of African ancestry. This breakthrough transformed the understanding of kidney health disparities and moved the field from using “race” as a proxy risk factor to a precise, genetic explanation. His research opened the door to precision medicine in nephrology, with direct implications for treatment, transplantation, and genetic counseling.

Throughout his career, Dr. Kopp has advanced research across the spectrum—from basic science to clinical care. He has created essential research tools, such as immortalized podocyte cell lines, and led numerous clinical trials for glomerular diseases, including Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). His leadership in national consortia such as NEPTUNE and CureGN has built collaborative platforms that accelerate progress in rare kidney diseases.

In addition to his scientific leadership, Dr. Kopp has served as a Captain in the U.S. Public Health Service, deploying to provide disaster relief following Hurricanes Katrina, Wilma, and Ike. With over 350 peer-reviewed publications and more than 46,000 citations, his work continues to shape the future of kidney disease research and care. At TKF, Dr. Kopp’s expertise guides efforts to integrate cutting-edge science with community-based prevention, advancing the Foundation’s mission to deliver early detection and better outcomes for Texans.