Scientific Applications for 2027-2030 are being accepted now through July 31, 2026

LINK to Online Application Form 

The Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative is an international research organization dedicated to improving the safety of transfusion and cell therapy through standardized analytic techniques, innovative procedures, and clinical trials. To date, our work has resulted in more than 180 scientific publications.

Every four years, BEST renews its Board of Directors and scientific membership. We are proud to announce the election of our new President, Dr. Denese Marks (succeeding Dr. Rebecca Cardigan), whose term begins following the Fall 2026 meeting.

We are now looking for new talent to bring continued scientific vigor and fresh ideas to our team. Members are expected to actively participate in BEST studies, contribute innovative research ideas, and attend our interactive twice-yearly meetings, which alternate between North America in the autumn and Europe in the spring. To support these responsibilities, members will receive a stipend to help offset travel expenses.

Our Four Core Teams:

• Cellular Therapy
  Current Team Leads: Dave McKenna, MD; David Stroncek, MD
• Clinical Transfusion Safety
  Current Team Leads: Simon Stanworth, MA, PhD; Meghan Delaney, DO
• Conventional Components
  Current Team Leads: Jason Acker, MBA, PhD; Denese Marks, PhD
• Donor Studies
  Current Team Leads: Marc Germain, MD, PhD; Ralph Vassallo, MD

Application Deadline: Friday, July 31st, 2026

Decisions Announced: September 2026

First Teleconference: January 2027

First In-person Meeting: Spring 2027