AABB Foundation Congratulates Recipients of 2024 Scientific Research Grants

The AABB Foundation congratulates the recipients of the 2024 Early Career Scientific Research Grants. Meenakshi Banerjee, PhD; Tamar P. Feldman, PhD; Aaron S. Hess, MD, PhD; Ryan P. Jajosky, MD; Grace M. Lee, MD; and Elizabeth F. Stone, MD, PhD, are the latest scientists to receive grant funding from the AABB Foundation, which has supported investigator-initiated, original research in the fields of transfusion medicine and biotherapies since 1983. 

“We are pleased to support these talented scientists as they endeavor to improve the lives of patients and donors through their innovative research projects,” said AABB Foundation president Jose Cancelas, MD, PhD, CABP. “The AABB Foundation Early Career Scientific Research Grants are made possible by the generous contribution of many individuals and partner institutions and corporations, and we extend our thanks for their commitment to advancing transfusion medicine and biotherapies with us.” 

The 2024 grants will fund research in the following areas: 

• “Elucidating the role of IFITM3 in hematopoietic stem cells during inflammatory stress” (Banerjee). 

• “Platelet Labeling for In Vivo Platelet Kinetics Evaluation: Alternative Labeling Approaches” (Feldman).

• “Bedside tissue oxygenation monitoring with noninvasive jugular venous oximetry” (Hess). 

• “Defining the mechanisms of KEL RBC alloimmunization using a transgenic mouse model” (Jajosky). 

• “Modulation of Neutrophil Function by Red Cell Exchange in SCD Patients” (Lee).

• “Efficacy of platelet transfusion in a mouse model of intracerebral hemorrhage” (Stone).

Additionally, the application period for the 2025 cycle of the Early Career Scientific Research Grants Program opened Monday, July 1. Information about the eligibility criteria and application process is available on the Early-Career Scientific Research Grants Program web page.  

The institutions recognized among AABB Foundation’s funding partners include American Red Cross, Beckman Coulter, Blood Centers of America, Coastal Blood Foundation, Fresenius Kabi, Grifols, New York Blood Center, QuidelOrtho, Roche, Santa Barbara Foundation, Topeka Community Foundation and Vitalant. 

To date, the AABB Foundation has awarded more than $11 million in grants to fund the research work of more than 200 scientists, many of whom have gone on to become expert leaders in the blood and biotherapies field. For more information about the AABB Foundation and grant funding opportunities, visit aabb.org/foundation.