From the President

The context in which this strategy has been developed is marked by profound global challenges. Conflicts, climate disruption, rapid technological transformation and, in many societies, a weakening of trust in institutions, all influence the environment in which transfusion medicine operates. Yet our field remains unique in medicine: it directly connects healthy individuals acting in solidarity with patients whose lives depend on safe and timely access to blood and cellular therapies. ISBT embodies this exceptional link between donor altruism, science and clinical care, bringing together professionals from all regions of the world in a shared commitment to safe, sufficient and evidence-based therapies.

Our vision has evolved accordingly. From the foundational objective of a world of safe and sufficient blood, ISBT now embraces a broader ambition: a world of safe, sufficient and evidence-based blood therapies. This evolution reflects the growing recognition that generating scientific knowledge, while essential, is not sufficient in itself. The ultimate goal is to ensure that knowledge is effectively translated into improved clinical practice, better patient outcomes, and enhanced donor wellbeing. Knowledge must move along a continuum — from generation, to sharing, to implementation, and ultimately to measurable impact on patient care and donor safety.

This emphasis on implementation represents a central pillar of the 2026–2030 strategy. Across diverse healthcare systems, important barriers continue to limit the adoption of evidence-based practices in transfusion medicine and cellular therapies. Differences in knowledge, resources, infrastructure, training, regulatory environments and access to educational tools can all slow the translation of scientific and medical advances into routine practice. Addressing these barriers is therefore a priority for ISBT, consistent with our responsibility not only to generate knowledge, but also to help ensure its effective application worldwide.

The new ISBT strategy plan is structured around four major strategic goals.

First, ISBT will continue to promote and enable global connections. As a truly international society, ISBT must reflect the diversity of needs, resources and priorities across regions. The strategy aims to consolidate ISBT’s position as the global professional home for transfusion medicine and cellular therapies, from the donor to the patient, while ensuring equitable access to its scientific and educational activities, particularly for colleagues in low- and middle-income countries. Strengthening partnerships with affiliated organisations and related scientific societies will further enhance our collective capacity to address global challenges.

Second, the Society will facilitate the generation, dissemination and implementation of evidence-based knowledge. ISBT Working Parties remain at the heart of this effort, producing guidance, fostering collaborative research and promoting innovation. The strategy highlights enhanced collaboration between Working Parties, continued development of congresses as platforms for scientific exchange, and expansion of high-quality digital educational resources. Particular attention will be given to providing practical tools that enable professionals to implement evidence-based best practices in diverse healthcare environments. Importantly, ISBT will also broaden its engagement with emerging fields such as within cellular therapies, reflecting the evolving scope of our discipline.

Third, ISBT will strengthen its advocacy for donors, patients and transfusion professionals, recognising that safe and effective blood systems depend on public trust, ethical practice and strong professional communities. Continued collaboration with WHO, promotion of the updated ISBT Code of Ethics, and support for early-career professionals through mentorship and professional development initiatives all contribute to sustaining the ethical and professional foundations of our field. In a time when trust in institutions is often challenged, reaffirming the principles of voluntary non-remunerated blood donation remains central to the credibility and sustainability of blood systems worldwide. Finally, the strategy emphasises the importance of operating the Society in a sustainable and responsible manner. This includes development of an integrated financial framework linking ISBT and the ISBT Foundation, strengthening mutually beneficial relationships with partners, and leveraging new technologies to enhance inclusiveness, for example by using digital tools to reduce language barriers and facilitating wider global participation in ISBT activities.