To provide an approximate estimate of the need for academic faculty in renal research, 1200 questionnaires were mailed to most departments in all medical schools in the United States. There were 627 completed questionnaires returned from 99 divisions of nephrology, 79 divisions or departments of urology, and 67 divisions of pediatric nephrology or departments of pediatrics in 120 medical schools. Analysis of the responses revealed that in these three departments there are 1057 faculty members engaged in teaching and research related to the kidney and urinary tract, and 131 current vacancies. The responses suggest that from 1979 to 1984 another 483 faculty members will be required to fill projected vacancies in the foregoing three clinical departments, making the total needed 614.