AABB Future Leader Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies
Overview
The AABB is accepting email applications for the 2026 AABB Future Leader Scholarship Awards, covering the Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB) or equivalent and the Transfusion Medicine and Biotherapies Fellow (TMBF) programs. Awards will be presented at the 2026 AABB Annual Meeting during the Transfusion Medicine Subsection Coordinating Committee Business Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. These awards are open to applicants worldwide and selection is not contingent on AABB membership. Applicants should review the specific program rules and application materials before applying.
Description: Two scholarship tracks recognize emerging leaders in transfusion medicine, biotherapies/cellular therapy, and blood banking.
Award Presentation: Recipients will be announced and honored at the 2026 AABB Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia.
- Open to international applicants; AABB membership not required.
- Applications accepted by email for the 2026 award cycle.
- Award presentations occur at the 2026 AABB Annual Meeting.
AABB-Future Leader Transfusion Medicine and Biotherapies Fellow Scholarship Awards Program
The TMBF program recognizes qualified fellows or recent graduates in transfusion medicine or cellular/biotherapies training. Established in 1982, it targets professionals holding an MD, DO, PhD, or equivalent degree who are current fellows or within 24 months of completing an eligible fellowship. Recipients are selected annually as distinguished candidates are identified and receive an honorarium. Applicants must meet the program eligibility criteria as described in the official materials.
Description: Scholarship for fellows or recent graduates in transfusion medicine or biotherapies/cellular therapy programs.
Eligibility: MD, DO, PhD, or equivalent degree; current fellow or within 24 months of fellowship completion in an eligible program.
Award Value: Recipients receive a $1,500 honorarium.
- Targets advanced-degree trainees and recent graduates in transfusion medicine and related fields.
- Eligibility window: within 24 months of program completion.
- $1,500 honorarium awarded to each recipient.
AABB-Future Leader Specialist in Blood Bank (or equivalent) Scholarship Awards Program
The SBB (or equivalent) program honors individuals enrolled in, accepted to, or within 24 months of completing SBB or equivalent training from an AABB-accredited institution. Since its inception in 1982, the program has expanded to include recent trainees in biotherapy/cellular therapy. Awards are presented annually as distinguished candidates are identified, with each recipient receiving an honorarium. Applicants should confirm eligibility against the program criteria before submitting.
Description: Scholarship for individuals pursuing or recently completing SBB or equivalent training, including biotherapy/cellular therapy tracks.
Eligibility: Enrolled, accepted for enrollment, or within 24 months of completing SBB or equivalent training at an AABB-accredited institution.
Award Value: Recipients receive a $1,500 honorarium.
History of the Award: Program established in 1982 and later expanded to include biotherapy/cellular therapy trainees.
- Intended for SBB trainees or recent graduates from accredited programs.
- Includes candidates from biotherapy and cellular therapy training.
- $1,500 honorarium for each recipient; awards made annually.
Presentation Requirement
All winners are required to provide a short presentation at the Transfusion Medicine Subsection Coordinating Committee (TMSCC) Business Meeting held during the AABB Annual Meeting. For the 2026 cycle, this meeting will take place in Atlanta, Georgia. The presentation is a condition of the award and is intended to highlight the recipient’s work and leadership potential. Applicants should plan to participate in the Annual Meeting if selected.
Presentation Requirement: Award recipients must present at the TMSCC Business Meeting during the AABB Annual Meeting.
- Short presentation at the TMSCC Business Meeting is mandatory for all winners.
- 2026 presentation scheduled in Atlanta, Georgia at the AABB Annual Meeting.
- Recipients should plan travel and availability to present if selected.
How to Apply and Resources
Applications for the 2026 AABB Future Leader TMBF and SBB (or equivalent) Scholarship Awards are accepted by email. Applicants must review the official rules, policy statements, and the program-specific application forms before applying. The AABB posts program descriptions and application materials online for both the TMBF and SBB tracks. Ensure all eligibility criteria are met and required documents are included in the email submission.
Application Materials: View the 2026 AABB Future Leader TMBF Scholarship Awards Program online; view the 2026 AABB Future Leader SBB (or equivalent) Scholarship Awards Program online; view the 2026 AABB Future Leader TMBF Scholarship Awards Application online; view the 2026 AABB Future Leader SBB (or equivalent) Scholarship Awards Application online.
- Submit applications by email per the program instructions.
- Review program rules and application forms before applying.
- Program and application materials are available online for both TMBF and SBB tracks.