Dale A. Smith Memorial Award

Nominate a Candidate for an Award

This award, created in 2002 and funded by Fenwal, A Fresenius Kabi Company, honors Dale A. Smith, a long-time Baxter Healthcare executive who was responsible for establishing the Fenwal Division of Baxter. This award will be presented to an individual(s) or institution to recognize groundbreaking work performed in the application of technology to the practice of transfusion medicine or biotherapies.

The recipient(s) will receive an honorarium totaling $7,500. The Dale A. Smith Memorial Award is presented annually. This award is funded through a one-time grant from Baxter Healthcare Corporation.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this award, candidates:

• Need not be a member of AABB
• Must demonstrate innovation and creativity in the application of technology for improving transfusion.
• Must have a completed nomination form submitted during the nomination period.

Selection

Recipient is selected by the Dale A Smith Award review and selection team of experts, appointed by the AABB Awards Committee. Final candidate approved by the AABB Board of Directors.

Recognized at: AABB Foundation Party with the Purpose.

Please send all inquiries about this award to awards@aabb.org.

2026 Recipient

Willy A, Flegel, MD

Citation:

In recognition of his original scientific and clinical contributions within the field of molecular immunohematology. Dr. Flegel's work and leadership led to a detailed characterization of the Rh gene locus and most of the clinically relevant molecular variants in the RHD and RHCE genes, resulting in important contributions to scientific knowledge. Dr. Flegel was among the first to create an Internet-based database of RH polymorphisms to share information with scientists worldwide. Additionally, he is responsible for developing the largest external quality assessment scheme for proficiency in molecular immunohematology with the goal of enhancing patient safety internationally.

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