President's foreword to the Annual Report 2025-2026
Pierre Tiberghien, ISBT President
It is a great pleasure to present the ISBT Annual Report for 2025–2026. This report reflects the vitality of our global community and highlights the many ways in which ISBT advances science, education and collaboration for the benefit of both patients and blood donors worldwide as well as transfusion professionals across all regions.
A major milestone during this period has been the development of the new ISBT Strategic Plan 2026–2030, the result of extensive consultation and collective reflection across the Society. The new strategy reaffirms ISBT’s mission to advance transfusion medicine worldwide through knowledge, connection and advocacy, while recognising the importance of translating scientific advances into improved practice and measurable impact for patients and donors and transfusion professionals.
In parallel, the Society has continued to strengthen its governance framework. Updates to ISBT statutes and bylaws were approved at the General Assembly in Milan, ensuring that our governance structure remains aligned with the evolving needs of an increasingly global and multidisciplinary organisation. A review of ISBT awards and prizes has also been undertaken to ensure that recognition of excellence reflects the diversity of scientific and professional contributions across our field. Work has also progressed on the revision of the ISBT Code of Ethics, which will be launched in the coming year and will continue to provide an essential reference for ethical practice, professional integrity and trust in transfusion medicine worldwide.
Another Transformational Year for the Central Office
Following international recruitment processes, we are delighted to welcome both Karin van den Berg as Executive Director (from August 2026) and Mindy Goldman as Scientific Secretary, whose experience and leadership will contribute highly to fulfilling ISBT’s missions. Karin van den Berg and Mindy Goldman will benefit from a strong legacy left by Jenny White and Jason Acker. Their leadership has reinforced ISBT’s organisational strength, scientific quality and international outreach, providing an exceptionally strong platform for the Society’s future development.
Expanding the Scientific Landscape
ISBT’s scientific activities continue to evolve in both depth and breadth. The launch of the digital Blood Group Allele (BGA) database in November 2025 represents an important achievement, improving accessibility and functionality of a key scientific resource for the transfusion community. Scientific collaboration across Working Parties has also continued to develop, including the reconfiguration of the Platelet and Granulocyte Working Parties into a joint Working Party to promote synergy and strengthen scientific exchange across related areas. Together with the recently formed Working Parties focusing on Big Data and Basic Transfusion Biology, these initiatives illustrate ISBT’s commitment to supporting and expanding the scientific foundations of our discipline.
Educational activities remain central to ISBT’s mission. The mentorship programme, launched in early 2025, continues to grow and provides valuable support to early-career professionals worldwide. The ISBT Academy has expanded its activities, supporting educational events in an increasing number of countries, including in Latin America. ISBT Highlights Day in India in November 2025 and ISBT participation in the African Society of Transfusion Medicine 2026 Congress in March 2026, including an Academy Day, also demonstrated the continued importance of regional engagement and collaboration.
In addition, a workshop organised jointly with the European Blood Alliance in September 2025 focused on the challenges regarding rare blood provision, illustrating the value of collaboration between partner organisations to address shared scientific and operational challenges.
Advancing Education and Publications
ISBT continues to expand its educational outreach through digital formats. The number of webinars has increased significantly, including a joint webinar series with the Thalassaemia International Federation in May 2025, aligned with World Thalassaemia Day.
Transfusion Today continues to evolve as an important communication platform, with increasing contributions from Working Parties, continued collaboration with the Systematic Review Initiative through regular Evidence Roundups, and the development of educational podcast series. The 70th anniversary of Vox Sanguinis marks an important milestone for the Society’s flagship scientific journal and highlights its continuing role in disseminating high-quality research worldwide.
Congresses in Milan and Perth
Our congresses remain a central component of ISBT’s scientific life and global engagement. ISBT Milan and ISBT Perth in 2025 were resounding successes. The joint ISBT / Blood congress in Perth provided an opportunity to explore a different format, encouraging closer interaction across disciplines such as haematology and haemostasis, and illustrating the value of strong collaborations with partner scientific societies.
Strengthening Governance and Global Reach
ISBT has also strengthened its engagement with international stakeholders, including increased collaboration with the World Health Organization in support of global blood safety programmes. The International Coalition for Safe Plasma and Plasma Products (ICSPP), spearheaded by ISBT, has expanded with the addition of new members, including AABB and the World Apheresis Association, further reinforcing international cooperation aimed at improving access to safe plasma-derived therapies worldwide.
ISBT Membership
Membership of ISBT has remained over 2000 members, reflecting the continued relevance of the Society to transfusion professionals globally. Through its educational programmes, publications, webinars and congress activities, ISBT maintains contact with more than 20,000 professionals worldwide, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge and the strengthening of professional networks across regions.
This report reflects the collective commitment and contribution of many individuals and organisations. I would like to close by expressing my grateful appreciation to all ISBT members, the Board of Directors, the Standing Committees, the Working Parties, the ISBT Central Office team, the ISBT Foundation, the Vox editors and reviewers, as well as our affiliate organisations and corporate partners.
