Meet the Researcher: Perspectives from a trainee of Dr. Ed Pryzdial

A new “Meet the Researcher” video showcasing the expertise of Canadian Blood Services’ research network is now available on blood.ca! The video features Dr. Ed Pryzdial, a Canadian Blood Services senior scientist and clinical professor in the Centre for Blood research at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver. Dr. Pryzdial’s laboratory is located at the Centre for Blood Research (CBR) where a partnership between Canadian Blood Services and CBR is helping to train the next generation of researchers in transfusion science.As a complement to the video and to highlight the “behind
February 26, 2026

Call for nominations open for 2026 Canadian Blood Services' Lifetime Achievement Award

The 2026 call for nominations is now closed.The 2026 Canadian Blood Services Lifetime Achievement Award nomination period is now open! This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the fields of transfusion and transplantation science and medicine.Background  The Canadian Blood Services Lifetime Achievement Award, established in 2002, recognizes individuals whose landmark contributions have made a significant impact to the field of transfusion and/or transplantation (including hematopoietic stem cell, cord blood, and organ and tissue) science and
February 19, 2026

Tiny scientists, big discoveries: Celebrating the International Day of Women & Girls in Science at STEMapolooza!

February 11, 2026 is dedicated by UNESCO as a global day to celebrate women and girls in science and recognize a future where science and gender equality advance together. This year, the Telus World of Science Edmonton celebrated International Day of Women and Girls in Science with a family-friendly STEMapolooza event, and invited Canadian Blood Services' project leads Carly Olafson and Sanaz Hemmati to participate as guest experts at a booth representing our research network. The booth activities were planned in collaboration with Dawn O'Dwyer, an Edmonton-based Manager of Regional
February 17, 2026

Journeys in research: Trainee experiences supporting knowledge exchange, part 1 Nawal Elshamiy

The Monthly Science Seminar series described in the blog below is an example of one of the knowledge mobilization activities organized to support effective knowledge sharing, connection, and collaboration among members of Canadian Blood Services’ innovation and portfolio management (I&PM) internal research network. Each year, trainees in Canadian Blood Services’ research network are invited to volunteer as MSS Series Organizing Committee members. By emphasizing the importance of effective science communication and knowledge translation, this opportunity to engage in session planning is
February 12, 2026

“Donating for the future”: Reflections from a presentation on diversity in the donor base

This post features excerpts from an AABB News article written by Leah Lawrence which originally appeared in AABB News Magazine in January 2026. The full article, Adaptive Recruitment Strategies Important for Successful Donor Pool Expansion, is available on the AABB website. As leading experts in transfusion medicine and blood research topics, members of Canadian Blood Services’ research team regularly engage with other blood operators and research organizations around the globe to mobilize knowledge that can strengthen and inform blood systems. Recently, Canadian Blood Services’ medical
February 6, 2026

New research publications: January 2026

Each month, our R.E.D. blog showcases the activities of our research and education network and the innovation and collaboration that drives our scientific community forward. Included in these activities are the peer-reviewed publications in academic journals that are a main avenue for researchers to share their scientific findings. With a focus on methodology and a rigorous review process prior to publication, these publications are recognized as credible and reliable sources of scientific information.This blog – part of a reoccurring monthly recap – provides an overview of the latest research
February 4, 2026

Feb 17
12:00 pm | Toronto/Virtual

Topic: Social Science – Patient perspectives in Transfusion

Presented by Dr. Kelly Holloway & Dr. Jennie Haw PhD, Social Scientist, Canadian Blood Services Guest: Biba Tinga President of Sickle Cell Disease Association of Canada Learning objectives Summarize the role and value of social science in Transfusion Medicine Research Introduce approaches to patient

Feb 10
12:00 pm | Toronto/Virtual

Topic: Hospital Blood Inventory Management - Theory and Practice

Presented by Dr. Gwen Clarke & Dr. Jennifer Duncan MD, FRCPC University of Alberta, Vancouver Island Health, University of British Columbia Learning objectives Describe supplier, delivery and hospital factors that may influence hospital blood component inventory Understand the concept of average

Adjunct scientist receives 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award for extraordinary contributions to guidelines, clinical trials, and more

Canadian Blood Services has recognized Dr. Jeannie Callum with a 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award. This distinction, which was announced during the December 2025 Open Board Meeting, celebrates individuals whose extraordinary contributions have advanced care, research and innovation in transfusion or transplantation – impacting patients and communities across Canada. A passion for education, research, and patient safetyDr. Jeannie Callum is a leading voice in transfusion medicine—a field focused on the safe and effective use of blood and blood products. Based at Kingston Health Sciences Centre
January 28, 2026

Feb 11
2:00 pm | Virtual

Qualitative and Mixed Methods Research Designs: Much-Needed but Underutilized in Transfusion Medicine (26EL-606)

In contrast to commonly used quantitative research designs, this eCast will present the basic structures and methods of qualitative and mixed methods research designs for consideration in transfusion medicine research. Speakers will present compelling arguments for transfusionists to consider using