EBMT President Ibrahim Yakoub-Agha and Managing Director Yann Mahé reflect on the first half of 2026 and thank the EBMT community for its contribution.
Dear EBMT Community,
As we reach the midpoint of the year, we would like to thank everyone who gives their time, expertise and energy to EBMT.
The Annual Meeting in Madrid brought our field together once again. The science presented, discussions held and connections made are already contributing to new research, guidance and educational initiatives across EBMT. Over recent months, we have also worked closely with EBMT’s leadership, scientific bodies, professional groups, members and staff. Our focus is clear: to keep science at the heart of EBMT, remain close to the needs of our members and turn knowledge into better practice and patient care.
This matters at a time of rapid change. Advances in transplantation, cellular therapy and gene therapy are creating new opportunities for patients, while raising more complex questions around data, quality, access, regulation and long-term follow-up. EBMT has a central role in helping professionals and centres respond through reliable evidence, practical guidance and relevant education.
We are also giving greater visibility to Basic and Translational Science. Stronger links between laboratory discovery and clinical practice are essential to progress. We want this work to feature more consistently across EBMT meetings and educational programmes, while creating further opportunities for clinicians, researchers and early-career scientists to connect and contribute.
Our Working Parties, Committees and professional groups are preparing specialist meetings, courses and programmes, many developed with international partners. Preparations are also moving forward for the 53rd Annual Meeting of the EBMT in Rotterdam. At the same time, we are expanding our international reach by sharing expertise, expanding access to education and training, and supporting professionals and centres in regions where resources and opportunities remain more limited.
Alongside this, we are improving the quality and use of EBMT data, strengthening certification and supporting centres in maintaining high standards of care. The Project Management Office is also improving coordination across our scientific portfolio, helping expert groups and project leaders move priorities forward with clearer oversight and follow-up.
In the second half of the year, we will place greater emphasis on the experience of our members and centres. We will improve access to knowledge and support, develop more connected digital services and make it easier to engage with EBMT and use its resources in daily practice.
Thank you for everything you contribute to EBMT and to our field.
As summer is now well under way for many of us, we hope you will have the opportunity to pause, rest and enjoy meaningful time with family, friends and colleagues. We wish you a peaceful and refreshing summer break.
With our warmest regards,
Ibrahim Yakoub-Agha
EBMT President
Yann Mahé
EBMT Managing Director