Call for nominations open for 2026 Canadian Blood Services' Lifetime Achievement Award

The 2026 Canadian Blood Services Lifetime Achievement Award nomination period is now open! This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the fields of transfusion and transplantation science and medicine.

Background  

The Canadian Blood Services Lifetime Achievement Award, established in 2002, recognizes individuals whose landmark contributions have made a significant impact to the field of transfusion and/or transplantation (including hematopoietic stem cell, cord blood, and organ and tissue) science and medicine.

Previous winners have included both physicians and scientists whose endeavours have shaped the field and informed policies and practices extant today, as well as individuals and organizations whose efforts and deliberations have shaped policies that guide the blood system in Canada. To learn more about past recipients and their transformative work, please visit the Lifetime Achievement Award webpage. Their contributions showcase the ongoing impact of this award in advancing the fields of transfusion and transplantation.  

Recipients of the Canadian Blood Services Lifetime Achievement Award are recognized through a public presentation of the award at a Board of Directors’ meeting. 

Nomination requirements  

Nominees for this prestigious award should have made transformative contributions to enhancing the safety or quality of blood, blood products, stem cells, and/or cord blood, or to advancing practices in transfusion or transplantation (including hematopoietic stem cell, cord blood, and organ and tissue) science and medicine. Their body of work should be distinguished by noteworthy publications, and they should have shown leadership that aligns with the vision, mission, and values of Canadian Blood Services, reflecting a commitment to excellence and quality.    

To nominate an individual for the Canadian Blood Services Lifetime Achievement Award, nominators should submit a single PDF file by email to lifetimeachievementaward@blood.ca by April 24, 2026, that includes:  

1. A cover letter including: 
   • A short summary (150 words or less) of the nominee’s contribution to improving the safety and/or quality of blood, blood products, stem cells, and/or cord blood or to advancing practices in transfusion or transplantation medicine; 
   • A brief biography of the nominee, including academic, research, clinical, and administrative positions, awards, and recognitions; 
   • An overview of what sets the work of the nominee apart from others in the field; and 
   • Name and contact information of the nominator. 
2. The nominee’s full curriculum vitae and contact information, including mailing address, telephone number(s), and email address.  

Note: Nominees should not be made aware of their nomination.  

Canadian Blood Services – Driving world-class innovation 

Through discovery, development and applied research, Canadian Blood Services drives world-class innovation in blood transfusion, cellular therapy and transplantation—bringing clarity and insight to an increasingly complex healthcare future. Our dedicated research team and extended network of partners engage in exploratory and applied research to create new knowledge, inform and enhance best practices, contribute to the development of new services and technologies, and build capacity through training and collaboration. Find out more about our research impact.

The opinions reflected in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Canadian Blood Services nor do they reflect the views of Health Canada or any other funding agency.