ISBT Gothenburg and Capetown
2023 saw the welcome return to in-person ISBT congresses for the first time since 2019, with successful regional congresses held in June in Gothenburg, Sweden, and in November in Cape Town, South Africa.
The scientific programme for each congress was carefully planned by the ISBT Scientific Secretary (Jason Acker) with assistance from Lin Fung and Jill Storry ISBT Vice-Presidents, Eszter Herczenik and Jenny White, valuable input from the knowledgeable local organising committees, and excellent administrative support from Marjolein Kramer (MCI).
33rd Regional Congress of the ISBT in Gothenburg, Sweden
There were 1960 registrants from 106 countries
The Gothenburg congress was held in collaboration with the Swedish Society of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine with co-Congress Presidents Torsten Eich and Martin L Olsson.
The scientific programme included a well-attended Nordic Day (conducted in English), an educational Academy Day, plenary lectures, invited and abstract oral presentations, interactive ‘’fireside chat’’ sessions and workshops.
The congress also featured: society and working party business meetings, an exploratory meeting to gauge interest in a new WP for Big Data, Two ISBT awards and the Vox Best paper prize as detailed here, workshops, meet the expert interactive sessions, the IBST General Assembly, poster presentations, networking events, industry sponsored symposia, a large exhibition, a fun run/walk around Gothenburg and a very successful Midsummer themed party.
34th Regional Congress of the ISBT in Cape Town, South Africa
There were 800 registrants from 63 countries
The Cape Town congress was held in collaboration with the South African Society for Blood Transfusion, with co-Congress Presidents Gerg Bellairs and Marion Vermeulen. There were 800 registrants from 63 countries, including from 17 African countries and with 300 attendees from the host country South Africa.
The 4-day programme included a very successful ‘local day’ with focus on topics of special regional interest, plenary lectures,
invited and abstract oral presentations, a lively debate, four interactive workshops, poster presentations, a young professionals’ breakfast session, industry sponsored symposia, a very well attended exhibition, and a very enjoyable congress party at the Cabo Beach club, with a high proportion of the congress delegates present. Two ISBT awards were made as detailed here.
