This article by Robert Flower, Associate Professor, University of Sydney, was originally published in 2017 on The Conversation (Australia) under CC BY ND licence.

In 2017, we published numerous research stories, here are a few of our favourites. Natural killers: when cells go wrong — New research reveals insights into causes of FNAIT A new study by Centre for Innovation scientist Dr. Heyu Ni and his research team at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto reveals insights into causes of miscarriage for some women... Calculating impacts of change Our in-house engineer, John Blake, did some nifty number crunching and estimated that an eligibility change would mean about 35,000 fewer donations collected in a year — hence a push for new donors to step forward to

It's hard to believe that 2017 is almost over. As we prepare for 2018, we take a look back on our most-read research, education and discovery stories from the past year. #5 Encouraging meaningful careers in STEM – Part 1 To encourage more young people to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and math, and in honour of Ada Lovelace Day 2017, we were pleased to share profiles of women in these essential fields... #4 Kidney Paired Donation – powerful program reaches significant milestone More than 500 kidney transplants have occurred across Canada through the Kidney Paired Donation

Drs. Earl W. Davie, Ross T. MacGillivray and Edmond H. Fischer at the 2017 Earl W. Davie Symposium Vancouver. Read all about this years event and find out more about the inspiration behind it.

If you’re already a subscriber to our Research and Education Round Up, thank you! You’re one of almost 700 readers interested in the latest transfusion and transplantation news, publications and events from Canadian Blood Services’ Medical Services and Innovation research and education network. If you already know the value of the Round Up, please tell your colleagues. They just might thank you. Published since 2015, our monthly newsletter collects the latest news, events and opportunities of interest to our transfusion and transplantation community. Professional development and education

Centre for Innovation funding programs like the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program enable experts in the fields of transfusion and transplantation medicine to deepen their understanding of the blood system while making vital steps towards a safer, more effective and responsive system for Canada. This program provides postdoctoral fellows with salary support to conduct their research and a supplementary research allowance which can be used towards purchasing materials, supplies, and other services needed to ensure a successful project.

Canadian Blood Services currently has a special need for O-negative donors. And we aren’t alone — many blood operators worldwide have recently increased their efforts to recruit O-negative blood donors. Why are O-negative donors in such high demand? Matched (or group specific) blood is always preferred for transfusion; however, O-negative blood can be transfused to recipients who have any ABO blood type (A, B, AB or O) and Rh type (positive or negative). This makes them vital for emergency transfusions when the recipient’s blood type is unknown, or if ABO-matched and/or Rh-matched blood

Health systems impact fellow Dr. Jennie Haw digs into social aspects of cord blood banking

In this six-part series, Dr. Jeannie Callum, a hospital-based transfusion specialist, shares her real-life experience witnessing the impact of blood donation on patient lives. She provides some fascinating insight into blood transfusion, past and present, and emphasizes the need for male donors and why some donors may be safer for patients. Read the complete series here.

To encourage more young people to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and math, and in honour of Ada Lovelace Day 2017, we are pleased to share profiles of women in these essential fields at Canadian Blood Services. We chose these stories in particular because they share a common theme of both perseverance and flexibility. They represent just a sampling of the convergence of skills, abilities and professional backgrounds that support Canada’s national blood system, its related activities, and the patients it serves. Part One shares words of wisdom from the field of Science and