January 26, 2026
AABB proudly announces the 2026 recipients of the Association’s prestigious awards. The AABB awards, bestowed annually, are presented to distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to AABB and the field of transfusion medicine and biotherapies.
“AABB is pleased to honor the 2026 award recipients. The women and men recognized with these prestigious awards this year have made extraordinary contributions to our field and our community,” said Jose Cancelas, MD, PhD, CABP, president of AABB. “The careers of these remarkable professionals have led to critical advancements in transfusion medicine and biotherapies, as well as patient and donor safety. AABB looks forward to celebrating these deserving individuals throughout 2026.”
This year’s recipients are as follows:
In grateful recognition of an extraordinary career that has led to important advancements in the field. Dr. Engleman’s work has been instrumental in improving the safety of the blood supply, which has benefited countless patients. In addition, his research into the use of immune cells to treat disease was the basis for the first FDA-approved cellular therapy and paved the way for a new era in which cellular therapies have become a standard treatment for many cancers.
In grateful recognition of his extraordinary career and his field-advancing research. Dr. Siegel's world-renowned research has spurred critical advancements, leading to effective new therapies for countless patients. Additionally, Dr. Siegel has been instrumental in mentoring subsequent generations of leaders in the blood and biotherapies community, many of whom have made their own essential contributions to the field.
In recognition of exemplary contributions to transfusion medicine and advancements in patient outcomes worldwide. Dr. Stanworth's extensive research career comprises more than 550 published studies and has focused on advancing the safety of blood transfusion and optimizing patient outcomes. Among his many critical findings, Dr. Stanworth's research has led to advancements in our understanding of platelet transfusions in pre-term neonates, the risk of thrombotic events in gastrointestinal bleeding, and much more - all of which have improved patient safety and transfusion practices.
In recognition of an influential, decades-spanning career dedicated to improving transfusion medicine safety and quality in India and throughout the world. Dr. Choudhury's leadership of both his hospital and the blood and biotherapies community in India has been indispensable. He has driven innovations and advancements that have enhanced safety and improved care for countless patients. In addition, he has been instrumental in helping to advance blood safety standards throughout the world.
In recognition of her many essential leadership and research accomplishments in the field of blood and biotherapies. In addition to her work on more than 200 scientific studies, Dr. Castilho has helped to bring transformative advancements to the field in Latin America through her education, research and mentorship initiatives. Throughout her career, she has trained hundreds of blood and biotherapies professionals in Latin America and has made lasting contributions to advance quality and safety throughout the region.
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.
AABB congratulates this year’s award recipients. The recipients will be honored in person during the 2026 AABB Annual Meeting, to be held Oct 17-19 in Atlanta. AABB is announcing the 2026 award recipients in January so that the awardees’ accomplishments can be celebrated throughout the year.
AABB is accepting nominations for the 2027 AABB awards through Jan, 30. AABB encourages members to uphold the Association’s long tradition of recognizing excellence by nominating colleagues who have made significant contributions to the field of blood and biotherapies.
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