In 2024 the EBMT published 118 high-impact research papers in leading scientific journals, including recommendations and position statements from the Practice Harmonisation and Guidelines Committee.

Celebrating 50 Years of EBMT

In April, we commemorated the 50th Anniversary of EBMT during our Annual Meeting in Glasgow. This milestone was more than a celebration; it was an opportunity to honour five decades of transformative research and care. Over 5,000 healthcare professionals gathered to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the future of our specialty. The event featured a lecture by Eliane Gluckman, special sessions, publications, and an anniversary video highlighting key achievements and future directions in our field. I encourage you to explore our dedicated anniversary webpage to revisit these highlights: 50 Years of EBMT.

Advancements in the EBMT Registry

August 2024 marked the first anniversary of the updated EBMT Registry. We have made significant progress, including the addition of new features and security enhancements to the MicroStrategy analysis tool, optimising user experience and system performance. Notably, on 9 September 2024, the Registry reached a historic milestone by recording data for 10,000 CAR-T therapy patients, underscoring the expanding role and impact of this innovative treatment.

Educational Initiatives and Resources

Our commitment to education remains steadfast. In April, we introduced the EBMT Educational Library, a comprehensive resource hub offering open-access materials, including publications, guidelines, manuals, and recordings of key educational events. This library is regularly updated to provide the latest resources for our community. Additionally, the 9th International Transplant and Cellular Therapy Course in Barcelona, the EBMT-EHA 6th European CAR T-cell Meeting in Valencia and the eight Working Parties and Nurse Group educational events were highly successful, further demonstrating our commitment to advancing knowledge and expertise in HCT and CT.

Key Contributions from the Nurses Group

The EBMT Nurses Group celebrated its 40th anniversary, coinciding with EBMT's 50th year, and made notable progress in supporting and educating transplant and cell therapy nurses globally. Key accomplishments include the translations of the second edition of the EBMT Textbook for Nurses into French, Italian, Spanish, and German, all available for free download. The Next Generation project continued to thrive, fostering a robust community for early-career nurses through an active online group and dedicated educational sessions at the Annual Meeting. Additionally, the "Blood Matters" podcast celebrated its second year with a rebranding, featuring engaging guests and pertinent topics. 

Read the Nurses Group Activity Report 2024 for more information.

Excellence in JACIE Standards

JACIE has also had a remarkable year, building on its role in promoting quality and patient safety. JACIE achieved a record 91 inspections in 2024, with increasing interest from the Middle East and further afield accounting currently approximately 5% of the applications. Accreditation remained strong, with 72 centres completing the process. Inspectors’ training expanded, and financial incentives for inspectors were improved. The collaboration with FACT continued for the 9th edition of HSC Standards and 3rd edition of IEC Standards, which will be published in the course of 2025. Support for centres interested in the accreditation process increased through drop-in sessions, and a transition to digital accreditation certificates was made to improve efficiency and sustainability.

Read the JACIE Activity Report 2024 for more information.

In closing, I extend my deepest appreciation to each of you for your contributions, dedication, and passion. Together, we have navigated challenges and achieved remarkable progress. I look forward to continuing this journey with you, advancing the field of HCT and CT for our patients worldwide.

Sincerely,

Anna Sureda
EBMT President