We are excited to announce that Dr. Karina Yazdanbakhsh, Vice President and Director of Research at New York Blood Center Enterprises, has been honored with the American Society of Hematology’s Henry M. Stratton Medal for Basic Science. This prestigious award recognizes her groundbreaking contributions to transfusion medicine and hematology. Dr. Yazdanbakhsh’s pioneering research, especially in sickle cell disease and immune system interactions with blood cells, has significantly advanced the field and improved patient care worldwide. In addition to her scientific achievements, she serves as Co-Chair of the ISBT Basic Transfusion Biology Working Party, demonstrating her leadership within the global hematology community. The medal will be presented at the 2025 ASH Annual Meeting in Orlando. We are incredibly proud of Karina and congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition!