President's foreword to the Annual Report 2024-2025
Pierre Tiberghien, ISBT President
It is a great pleasure to present the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) Annual Report for 2024–2025. I hope you find it an inspiring reflection of what we can achieve when we work together to advance ISBT’s scientific and educational mission around the world—for the benefit of both patients and blood donors.
Over the past year, the Society has undertaken a wide range of activities: sharing knowledge, strengthening existing collaborations, forging new partnerships, and supporting one another across research, clinical practice, and educational initiatives. Our community—including the Board, Standing Committees, Working Parties (WPs), Transfusion Practitioners Network, Young Professionals, Vox Sanguinis editorial team and reviewers, trainers, educators, clinicians, and scientists—has been incredibly active, all supported by the outstanding work of the ISBT Central Office (CO) team. While it is not possible to cover the full scope of ISBT’s activities in this foreword, the report offers a comprehensive overview of the work, achievements, and ongoing projects that define our shared commitment to excellence in transfusion medicine.
Expanding the Scientific Landscape
2024 -2025 marked the first year of activity for two new Working Parties: one focused on Big Data, and the other on Basic Transfusion Biology. Both were established to develop and support research projects and knowledge generation that cut across the breadth of transfusion medicine, from the donor to the recipient. These Working Parties were designed with broad remits to serve all existing WPs—providing expertise in data-driven approaches and foundational biology to accelerate progress in our field. Alongside these new initiatives, our existing WPs have continued to thrive. With increased membership, dynamic projects, and high-quality scientific output, particularly through regular business meetings, webinars, and congress sessions—the WPs have been a cornerstone of ISBT’s scientific life. I extend sincere thanks to all WP Chairs and members for their dedication.
A Wonderful Congress in Barcelona
The 2024 ISBT Congress in Barcelona was a true highlight of the year—scientifically outstanding, financially successful, and deeply enriching in terms of global connections and collaborations. I thank the Scientific Committee, led by our Scientific Secretary, as well as the Local Organizing Committee (Spanish Society of Blood Transfusion and Cellular Therapy), our corporate partners, sponsors, exhibitors, and most importantly, the thousands of delegates from around the world who participated with enthusiasm and engagement.
Strengthening Governance and Global Reach
ISBT Board members worked diligently throughout the year, both in terms of global governance and addressing regional priorities. Our Regional Directors have played a crucial role in identifying and supporting initiatives tailored to the specific needs of their regions, fostering local participation in ISBT educational programs and congresses, and contributing to regional events to build local capacity. I am grateful for their energy and commitment.
Another Transformational Year for the Central Office
The CO has had an exceptionally active year: from the preparation and successful delivery of the Barcelona Congress, to finalizing and launching several major projects. Among them, the digital transformation of the Blood Group Allele Tables—a key ISBT resource maintained by the Red Cell Immunogenetics & Blood Group Terminology WP—stands out as a milestone. This new digital platform enhances accessibility, functionality, and integration with other genomic databases. I thank the WP co-chairs and members for their expertise and the CO for its tireless support. Additional highlights include the re-signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Chinese Society of Blood Transfusion (CSBT) and the signing of a new MoU with AATM, extending our outreach to countries less accessible to ISBT. The renewal of our Non-State Actor status with WHO for another three years further reinforces our global standing and commitment. Our WPs have contributed to WHO projects and guidelines, while ISBT's participation in the International Coalition for Safe Plasma and Plasma Products (ICSPPP) included impactful work in Ethiopia and Senegal.
Advancing Education and Publications
Educational outreach remained a core focus in 2024, with activities in all regions. Highlights include ISBT Academy and Foundation-supported programs, increased collaboration with the Systematic Review Initiative (SRI), and the translation of the eLearning module on transfusion reactions into French, in addition to Spanish and English. We also completed preparatory work for the launch of the ISBT Mentorship Platform, which went live in January 2025. Our publications, Vox Sanguinis and Transfusion Today, underwent significant transformation, with both now fully digital and increasingly open-access. This evolution reflects ISBT’s commitment to accessibility and global dissemination of knowledge.
Advancing Education and Publications
This report is the result of the collective ideas, dedication, and hard work of many people. On behalf of ISBT, I extend heartfelt thanks to our Executive Director, Jenny White, and the entire C0 team; our Board members who guide and implement the Society’s strategic vision; our Scientific Secretary, Jason Acker, and Standing Committees (including the Ethics Committee); the ISBT Foundation; the Chairs and members of our Working Parties; and the Editor-in-Chief of Vox Sanguinis, Miquel Lozano, along with the editorial board and staff. We are deeply grateful to our affiliate organisations, our corporate partners, sponsors, and exhibitors, whose scientific collaboration and financial support make so much of this work possible and allow us to maintain a sound financial footing. Please stay engaged with ISBT as we continue to build a stronger, more connected transfusion medicine community worldwide.
