To support professional development and foster international collaboration, the EBMT Nurses Group awarded grants to a number of dedicated nurses to attend the 51st Annual Meeting of the EBMT in Florence, Italy. These grants enabled recipients to participate in scientific sessions, network with peers, and gain valuable insights to bring back to their clinical practice.
In the testimonials below, grant recipients share their experiences, takeaways, and the impact of attending this major event in the field of stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy.
Natalia Lorente del Rio
Apheresis Nurse, RN, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
I am deeply grateful for the grant that enabled me to attend the EBMT 2025 Annual Meeting in the beautiful city of Florence. This opportunity has been incredibly enriching, both professionally and personally.
Being part of such a prestigious event allowed me to connect with nurses from all over the world, sharing ideas, experiences, and different approaches to care. These exchanges have broadened my perspective and inspired me to keep improving my practice.
A special highlight of the congress was the chance to meet and speak with key figures in the nursing community, such as Michelle Kenyon, with whom I even had the chance to take a photo — a moment I will always cherish. I also had the pleasure of attending the apheresis session and reconnecting with leading experts in the field like Angela Leather, whose work continues to be a source of guidance and inspiration: "Apheresis is the heart of the transplant."
All of this took place in the extraordinary setting of Florence, a city full of history, art, and beauty, which made the experience even more memorable.
Thank you once again for this opportunity — I return home with new knowledge, new connections, and renewed motivation to continue growing as a professional.
Simona Puczoková
Registered Nurse, Hemato-oncology Intensive Care Unit, Teaching Hospital Ostrava, Czech Republic
Receiving the grant to attend the EBMT Annual Meeting in Florence was both an honour and a truly enriching experience. The meeting brought together experts and peers from around the globe, creating an inspiring environment to learn, share, and grow. I found the sessions to be highly relevant and engaging, covering the latest developments in transplantation and cellular therapy.
Being part of this prestigious event not only deepened my knowledge but also allowed me to network with leading professionals and researchers in the field. The opportunity to exchange ideas and perspectives was incredibly valuable for my personal and professional growth.
Florence, with its historical charm and beauty, provided a memorable backdrop for this outstanding scientific meeting. I am sincerely grateful to the EBMT for their generous support, which made my participation possible.
I am already looking forward to continuing this journey and reconnecting with the EBMT community at next year’s Annual Meeting in Madrid!
Paula González Hernández
Nurse in Haematology and HSCT, Hospital Puerta de Hierro, Madrid, Spain
I had the opportunity to attend the EBMT Congress as a junior nurse, thanks to a generous grant provided by the EBMT. I’m incredibly grateful for this chance to take part in such an inspiring and educational event.
Being surrounded by professionals from all over the world allowed me to broaden my knowledge and gain new perspectives in the field of stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy. I especially appreciated learning about the multidisciplinary approach to patient care, which highlighted the importance of collaboration between nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals.
I also deepened my understanding of GvHD and its nursing management, a topic I hadn’t explored in such depth before.
Additionally, sessions on patient-centered care reminded me of the importance of empathy and clear communication in our daily practice.
Overall, attending the EBMT Annual Meeting has been a moving experience that strengthened my commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. I'm already looking forward to repeating the experience in Madrid in 2026.
Federica Buzzi
Staff Nurse, AUOI Verona, Verona, Italy
Thanks to the EBMT Grant I managed to attend the Annual Meeting in Florence and it was an incredibly valuable experience that helped me to expand my knowledge as a nurse.
It deepened my understanding of the complex process behind donor matching, conditioning regimens and post-transplant care. I gained insights into the latest advancements and challenges in the field, including strategies to manage complications like graft-versus-host disease.
I found the discussions on patient care particularly valuable, especially regarding infection prevention, emotional support and education.
This meeting not only broadened my clinical knowledge but also reinforced my commitment to supporting patients and their families through every step of their transplant journey.
This experience reinforced the critical role nurses play in supporting patients both clinically and emotionally through their transplant journey.
I am very grateful for this opportunity as it helped me to grow professionally and I feel more equipped to contribute meaningfully to the care of bone marrow patients in my nursing practice. Hope to see you in future EBMT activities.
Giannos Toumbis
Head Nurse, haematology and bone marrow transplant unit, German Medical Institute, Limassol, Cyprus
Attending the 51st Annual Meeting of the EBMT in Florence was a truly transformative experience—both professionally and personally. As a nurse working in the field of stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy, this conference offered a unique opportunity to expand my knowledge, connect with global experts, and gain fresh perspectives on best practices and innovative approaches in patient care. The sessions were rich with up-to-date research, real-world case studies, and practical strategies that I am excited to bring back to my team.
One of the highlights of the experience was meeting fellow nurses from across the globe. The camaraderie, shared passion, and exchange of experiences were incredibly inspiring and reminded me of the strength and unity within our nursing community.
I am profoundly grateful to the EBMT Nurses Group for awarding me the Travel Grant. Their generous support made this journey possible and affirmed the value of continuous learning and collaboration in nursing. It was more than just financial support—it was an investment in growth, inspiration, and the advancement of patient care.
And of course, Florence added a magical touch to it all. The city’s breathtaking beauty, timeless art, and warm atmosphere made every moment unforgettable. Strolling through its historic streets after a full day of learning felt like stepping into a living museum—truly the perfect setting for reflection and connection.
Thank you, EBMT Nurses Group, for this incredible opportunity. It is an experience I will carry with me always.
Loredana Oraka
Apheresis Coordinator, The Christie NHS foundation trust, Manchester, UK
Attending the EBMT 2025 Annual Meeting in Florence as a grant recipient was an unforgettable experience. As a nurse passionate about HCT and cellular therapy, this opportunity expanded my understanding and reignited my enthusiasm for evidence-based, patient-centered care. The diversity of topics from survivorship to CAR-T advancements was both relevant and inspiring.
One standout moment for me was the survivorship, psychological, and psychosocial care session. This gave a clear insight into patients’ experiences and what life after might look like. This quote stayed with me: “The diagnosis itself changes you.” Life itself might never look or feel the same. Furthermore, the chance to connect with international colleagues was invaluable. There was a strong sense of community and shared purpose.
Being surrounded by professionals who are not only leaders but also mentors made me feel seen and supported. I'm leaving Florence motivated, with new tools and ideas to bring back to my unit. Thank you, EBMT Nurses Group, for investing in the growth of young nurses. Your support truly makes a difference. Without the grant, I would have missed out on amazing experiences. See you next year!
Nicolas Albrecht
Nurse consultant hematology, University Hospital Gent, Belgium
This year, I had the opportunity to attend the Annual Meeting of the EBMT in Florence for the first time in my career, thanks to a grant from the EBMT Nursing Group.
It was a truly unique and inspiring experience, given the scale and content of this international event. For four days, I was fully immersed in the world of haematology, with a particular focus on the care surrounding stem cell transplantation and cell therapy.
The congress programme reflected the diversity and complexity of nursing practice, offering in-depth sessions on a wide range of diseases, patient care, and topics closely related to various nursing specialties. One of the most impactful moments was the session “Lessons learned from a sibling”, where a patient’s sister shared her story and offered valuable insights into how we can improve donor care in the future.
Personally, I found the examples of nurse-led care and consultations in hospital settings from other countries very insightful. These inspiring models clearly highlight the added value of attending such a fantastic congress.
A heartfelt thank you to the organizers of this remarkable event, who brought together a rich variety of topics and truly captivating speakers. I can only conclude that this first experience was a great success, and I’m already looking forward to future editions.
Lotte Kinds
University Hospital Gent, Belgium
I am very glad to have had the opportunity to join this year’s EBMT Congress in Florence with my colleagues. It was truly inspiring to dive into the latest advancements in stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy.
This experience was valuable to me, both professionally and personally. I gained new insights and knowledge that I can directly apply in my role as a nurse, helping to improve the care and support we provide to patients undergoing these complex treatments.
There was a great variety in session formats: impactful patient testimonials, practical examples of nurse-led care, and back-to-basics overviews of diseases and key therapies. Fortunately, there is also the opportunity to rewatch sessions online afterwards, allowing me to catch up on anything I may have missed during the congress days.
A big thank you to the EBMT for the Next Generation Annual Meeting Grant, which made this experience possible. I’m truly grateful for the insights gained and the wonderful connections made!
