In 2024, the EBMT launched the EBMT Travel Grants, a funding programme aimed at encouraging greater participation from both European and international healthcare professionals in EBMT events. These grants are designed to ease the financial burden of attending in person by covering registration fees as well as travel and accommodation costs.
For the 51st Annual Meeting of the EBMT, a total of 22 travel grants were awarded. Below, you can read testimonials from some of the grant recipients.
Marco Cioce
Head of Risk Management for non-medical healthcare professionals, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
Attending the Annual Meeting was a truly enriching experience. It provided a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge, deepen my understanding of best practices in patient safety, and connect with colleagues from across Europe. I was particularly impressed by the multidisciplinary approach of the sessions and the emphasis on collaborative strategies in improving care pathways. This experience has certainly contributed to my professional growth and will positively impact the activities I coordinate within my institution.
Manuela Spadea
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Turin, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Turin, Italy
Attending the 51st Annual Meeting of the EBMT in Florence as a travel grant recipient was an incredibly enriching experience, both professionally and personally. As an oral presenter in the paediatric session and a finalist in the EBMT contest session, I was honored to share my research with leading experts in BMT and cell therapies. I also had the privilege of chairing session two of the Trainee Day, contributing to the success of a key event for early-career investigators.
As a mother in science traveling with my 16-month-old baby, receiving the travel grant was essential—it enabled me to participate fully without the burden of travel and accommodation costs. This support made a tangible difference in balancing my dual roles. The meeting offered outstanding educational sessions and invaluable networking opportunities, allowing me to connect with peers and leaders in the field. I return inspired, more connected, and deeply grateful for this opportunity.
Malini Visweswaran
Postdoctoral Researcher, St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
I had the incredible opportunity to present my research at the 51st Annual Meeting of EBMT 2025, held in Florence, Italy. As someone working on transplant-related immunological changes in autoimmune diseases, attending this conference was both insightful and inspiring. I am sincerely grateful to EBMT for providing me the opportunity to orally present my research and awarding me a travel grant that covered my registration costs. Presenting at EBMT allowed me to receive constructive feedback and engage in meaningful discussions with international experts. The keynote sessions, panel discussions, and presentations provided a comprehensive overview of advancements in transplantation and cellular therapy. I found the statistics course particularly useful in enhancing my understanding of data analysis methods applicable to my research. The conference also helped to expand my professional network with researchers and clinicians in transplant immunology and to explore cutting-edge technologies, including equipment used in clinical-grade cell manufacturing. Overall, this experience greatly contributed to my growth as a researcher.
Anna Eichinger
Fellow Pediatric Hemato-oncology, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
Due to the travel grant I was able to not only attend the EBMT Annual Meeting 2025 in Florence, but to also present my research data during the paediatrics day. Overall, it was an incredible experience filled with inspiring talks, engaging discussions, and valuable networking opportunities. Presenting my research data to this broader public, gave me the chance to receive constructive feedback which is truly helpful in refining my work on long-term sequels of alloHSCT in paediatric ALL patients. Beyond the academic exchange, I learned a great deal from both the formal sessions and the informal interactions with fellow researchers. It was wonderful to connect with experts and peers who share similar interests and to be part of such a dynamic and welcoming community. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to participate, as EBMT continues to be a vital force in advancing education and collaboration in our field!
Anja Ida Schmid
Advanced Practice Nurse, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
I am extremely grateful for the EBMT travel grant that allowed me to attend the 51st Annual Meeting of the EBMT in Florence, Italy. Hearing the latest scientific findings from the best experts of our time in person was truly enriching. I was determined not to miss any of the numerous inspirational sessions. The congress made it clear that we are working together as one big European professional family, united in our commitment to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients. In this context, it was deeply moving to listen to patients and relatives, who all expressed unreserved confidence and trust in us professionals during their presentations on their experiences. The mutual appreciation and human warmth among the international group of nurses was impressive and touching. Last but not least, this year I won the prize for the best oral research presentation in the nurses' group. This has been such an honour for me that I cannot put it into words.
