Shaping the Future

"Technology will shape the future, but humans must guide the meaning of it."  –Brian Berman, MD

Technology has revolutionized the way we live, communicate and practice medicine. Across blood and biotherapies, emerging technologies are creating new opportunities to analyze complex data, improve decision-making, streamline operations and advance patient care.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is among the technologies driving this transformation. From machine learning and predictive analytics to generative AI, these tools are changing how professionals in the blood and biotherapies community approach complex challenges and expanding what may be possible across the field.

As the quote above reminds us, technology alone does not determine our future. Its value depends on how we choose to use it to support the work we do every day. As new tools become increasingly integrated into our work, human expertise, critical thinking, education and collaboration will remain essential to ensuring that innovation advances our shared mission of improving outcomes for both patients and donors.

Transforming Blood and Biotherapies

This issue of AABB News explores how technology and innovation are transforming blood and biotherapies. Our cover story examines the growing role of AI across the field, including applications of machine learning, predictive analytics and generative AI. Experts discuss how these technologies are being used today to guide clinical decision making, improve donor retention and support health care professionals as the field evolves.

The second feature recognizes 2026 Dale A. Smith Memorial Award recipient, Willy A. Flegel, MD, for his original scientific and clinical contributions within the field of molecular immunohematology. His work reflects the important role that scientific innovation continues to play in advancing transfusion medicine.

In this month’s “In Conversation” column, Leana Serrano-Rahman, MPH, MLS(ASCP), CQA(ASQ), shares a preview of the upcoming 2026 AABB Annual Meeting session, “Bridging the Gap: Information Systems and Blood Bank Practice,” including practical takeaways attendees can bring back to their organizations.

This issue also commemorates 30 years of AABB Press and its role in providing educational resources for professionals across the field. Since its first book release in 1996, AABB Press has continued to evolve alongside the blood and biotherapies community, expanding its catalog to cover blood banking, cellular therapies, standards and donor recruitment.

Register for the AABB Annual Meeting

Join us as we continue the conversation about innovation, AI and the future of our field at the 2026 AABB Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Oct. 17-19.

Additionally, this issue features 2026 AABB Annual Meeting keynote speaker Frederick Appelbaum, MD. Read the article to learn more about this year's keynote address, which will detail the critical role of the blood banking and transfusion medicine community.

There’s still time to take advantage of early-bird savings. Register by July 21 to save up to $325 and to get early access to hotels and events.

Jose Cancelas, MD, PhD, CABP
AABB President