On the surface of our red blood cells are proteins called antigens. There are more than 600 known antigens — and some combinations of antigens are far less common than others.

On April 10th, 2018, the Centre for Blood Research presented its 8th Annual Norman Bethune Symposium. This event honours Canadian physician, Dr. Norman Bethune, who in the 1930s spearheaded the implementation of the earliest practical mobile blood collection and distribution systems. During his introductory remarks, Dr. Ed Conway, director of the Centre for Blood Research, and a Canadian Blood Services’ adjunct scientist, reminded the audience that this event takes advantage of some fascinating Canadian medical history. Dr. (Henry) Norman Bethune was born in Gravenhurst, Ontario in 1890

Alana Cattapan, assistant professor in the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy (JSGS) at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) has been awarded the Canadian Blood Services’ James Kreppner Award ($43,275) to study the issues related to the commercialization of blood and tissue in Canada. James Kreppner was a former board member of Canadian Blood Services and a strong advocate for blood safety. He challenged assumptions when necessary and inspired the highest standards of analysis and decision-making. This award named in his honour supports research of high quality, to inform

This week, we chat with Prof. Ed Pryzdial, a scientist with Canadian Blood Services' Centre for Innovation, and associate director of the Centre for Blood Research at the University of British Columbia.

National Medical Laboratory Week 2018, also known as Lab Week, is one campaign that CSMLS energetically promotes to inspire lab professionals to share their professional lives with the public. This year, Lab Week is from April 22-28.

The International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) is coming to town! Seven weeks and counting down until the 35th International Congress of the ISBT takes place in Toronto. This prestigious international meeting of transfusion medicine professionals hasn’t been held here in Canada since 2002. The early registration deadline is April 19. Many transfusion experts from around the world will bring their expertise to Canada enhancing our opportunities to learn about and discuss international initiatives in the Canadian context. The annual Canadian Society for Transfusion Medicine (CSTM) meeting

This week, we catch up with Dr. Ed Conway, the director of the Centre for Blood Research at the University of British Columbia and a Canadian Blood Services adjunct scientist.

For the latest edition of “Meet the researcher”, Fennie Easton van der Graaf, an undergraduate researcher at the University of British Columbia, chatted with Dr. Mark Scott, Canadian Blood Services’ senior scientist and a pioneer in immunocamouflage of cells to prevent their detection by the immune system.

Choosing Wisely Canada transfusion recommendations brought to "life" in video form by Dr. Clinton Campbell and his creative team

Our own Chief Scientist, Dr. Dana Devine was recently on “display” at Canada’s national science museum