The Landsteiner Foundation for Blood Transfusion Research (LSBR) celebrated its 25th anniversary on October 14, in the Muziekgebouw and spotlighted rising talent in haematology and transfusion medicine. During the event, six early-career researchers were given the opportunity to present their pioneering work. Among these promising talents, Julia Tilburg, Yvonne Jongejan, and Nila Servaas were awarded the Early Career Grant.
Award-Winning Research Projects
The winning pitches showcased fresh approaches to pressing issues in haematology and transfusion science. Julia Tilburg captivated the audience with her research on mapping the cellular diversity of megakaryocytes in the bone marrow, advancing our understanding of these essential blood-producing cells.
Yvonne Jongejan’s project explores the use of therapeutic small interfering RNAs to target endothelial von Willebrand factor in von Willebrand disease, a lifelong and burdensome inherited bleeding disorder. Her innovative approach holds promise for improving treatment options for individuals affected by this condition.
Nila Servaas received the third Early Career Grant for her work on understanding the role of X Chromosome Inactivation in T cell responses to cancer immunotherapy. Her findings could lead to new insights into how sex-specific differences impact immune responses, particularly in cancer treatment.
A Bright Future for Blood Transfusion Research
The Early Career Grant initiative underscores LSBR’s commitment to nurturing emerging scientists and fostering innovative research that addresses unmet needs in transfusion medicine and haematology. This year’s recipients exemplify the LSBR's mission to support promising young researchers as they advance critical discoveries in their fields.