From Central Office

Empowering the next generation: Young Professional activities at ISBT Kuala Lumpur

There is something quietly exciting about being early in your career — the sense that everything is still possible, that the right conversation or the right mentor could change the direction of your path entirely. The upcoming ISBT Congress in Kuala Lumpur offers not only cutting-edge science and global collaboration, but also a vibrant program designed specifically for young professionals (YPs). These activities are created to connect, inspire, and support early-career individuals in transfusion medicine through networking, shared learning, and professional growth.

We warmly invite early-career professionals, trainees, and students to take part in three engaging events:

Young Professionals Breakfast

Kick off your congress with meaningful connections at the Young Professionals Breakfast, hosted by Cvetanka Kochovska. This informal gathering provides a welcoming space to meet fellow YPs from diverse international backgrounds, share experiences, and build lasting connections in a relaxed morning setting guided by a field experts. Whether you are attending ISBT for the first time or returning, this breakfast is the perfect way to feel part of the global transfusion community from day one.

Lunch & Trivia Event

Hosted by Zainab Harb, this interactive session blends learning and fun with a touch of friendly competition. Test your knowledge, discover new insights, and collaborate with peers in a lively team-based trivia format. It’s a great way to connect, recharge, and enjoy a lunch break during a busy congress day.

Mentorship in Motion

Looking for guidance, inspiration, or career direction? Don’t miss Mentorship in Motion. Join this dynamic mentoring session, led by Abiy Belay, designed to connect young professionals with established leaders through engaging small-group discussions. Gain practical advice, explore diverse career pathways, and take part in meaningful conversations on research, leadership, and professional development.

Building Connections, Shaping Futures

Together, these Young Professional Council led events highlight ISBT’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where early-career professionals can thrive. Alongside these dedicated sessions, the wider congress offers many additional opportunities for young professionals to engage with cutting-edge science, connect with the global community, and explore new ideas. Beyond the scientific program, these experiences are where connections are built, ideas are exchanged, and careers begin to take shape. If you are attending ISBT Kuala Lumpur as a young professional, don’t miss these opportunities—come ready to connect, learn, and grow. We look forward to welcoming you in Kuala Lumpur!

Knowledge implementation workshop

Young Professionals are invited to participate in the knowledge implementation (KI) interactive workshop, and in the development and ongoing curation of a library of KI resources to be hosted on the ISBT website. No prior expertise in KI is required and everyone is welcome to participate. Further information will be shared at and after the workshop about opportunities to contribute, relating to donor, product and patient aspects of transfusion.

Find out more here!
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