In memoriam: William Couser

Dr. William Couser was one of the first researchers globally to investigate the pathogenesis of glomerular diseases and was among the pioneers in demonstrating that immune complexes could form in situ in the glomerulus – an essential advance in our current understanding of membranous nephropathy.

Under his leadership, the Division of Nephrology became known worldwide for research and training in glomerular diseases. The division obtained its first T32 training grant in 1985, followed by a second T32 for clinical research in the 1990s, making it the only nephrology division in the country to receive two simultaneous training grants from the NIH. A transplant fellowship was established in 1989 and clinical work in nephrology was expanded to include transplant nephrology.

Couser recruited 13 new faculty members and supervised the training of 30 research fellows and visiting scholars, including 10 from the United States and 20 from abroad; 80% of them went on to have successful long-term academic careers. Additionally, he secured funding for a George O’Brien Kidney Research Center at the University of Washington, which operated from 1990 to 1999.

He is survived by his wife, Adrienne, and two sons.