Exploring innovation at the European Haematology Association Congress: Dr Elizabeth Brown’s experience
This June, the picturesque city of Milan welcomed thousands of scientists, clinicians, and healthcare professionals for the European Haematology Association (EHA) Annual Congress.
Among the attendees was Dr Elizabeth Brown (centre of photo), who joined an international community of heamatology experts - with the support of a travel grant from the conference itself. Liz’s visit wasn’t just about soaking up the Italian sun - it was an important part of her BTRU research. She presented a poster showcasing a novel system for culturing neutrophils, the vital white blood cells that help defend the body against infection. This breakthrough offers a more reliable way to study neutrophils in the lab, a crucial step towards improving treatments for patients whose immune systems are compromised.
A translational focus with real-world impact
Unlike some research gatherings that cater solely to laboratory scientists, the EHA congress bridges both research and clinical practice. This added an extra layer of relevance for Liz, whose BTRU research sits firmly in the translational space—meaning it connects discoveries in the lab with treatments in hospitals.
“In particular, I wanted to understand more about how neutropenia, which is when patients have weakened immunity due to low neutrophil counts, affects people with leukaemia,” Liz explained. “There were a couple of sessions that focused on this issue specifically, and I found them really informative.”
Networking and new perspectives
Beyond the formal presentations, the congress provided a valuable opportunity for Liz to reconnect with colleagues based across Europe and spark conversations with new people. These interactions often lead to fresh ideas, unexpected insights, and new research partnerships.
And it wasn’t all business. Liz was especially inspired by sessions organized by the EHA's young investigators committee, which spotlighted emerging topics and pushed boundaries in exciting directions. One highlight? A session exploring how space travel can impact hematopoiesis - the process by which blood cells are formed. While the idea might sound out of this world, studying how extreme environments affect blood formation can reveal important insights about human biology.
Looking forward
Liz’s experience in Milan is a reminder of the vital role that international conferences play - not just in showcasing research, but shaping ideas. Whether it's learning about the effects of space on blood, or better appreciating the real-world burden of neutropenia, Liz hopes these experiences will help her work towards practical solutions for patients facing blood-related conditions.
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