from

Listen Again: An SOS From The Ocean

Original broadcast date: June 25, 2021. For centuries, humans have relied on the oceans for resources and food... but even the deepest sea has its limits. This hour, TED speakers discuss how we can save our seas to save our planet.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy




from

An SOS From The Ocean

Original broadcast date: June 25, 2021. For centuries, humans have relied on the oceans for resources and food... but even the deepest sea has its limits. This hour, TED speakers discuss how we can save our seas to save our planet.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy




from

Natural Intelligence: What we and AI can learn from nature

Artificial intelligence is powerful, but what about natural intelligence? This hour, TED speakers explore the intrinsic genius in animal language, insect behavior, plant anatomy and our immune system. Guests include neuroscientist Greg Gage, computational neuroscientist Frances Chance, social psychoneuroimmunologist Keely Muscatell and environmental researcher Karen Bakker.

We want to dedicate this episode to Bakker who passed away in August 2023, only a few months after giving her TED Talk. Her research and legacy continue to inspire.

TED Radio Hour+ subscribers now get access to bonus episodes, with more ideas from TED speakers and a behind the scenes look with our producers. A Plus subscription also lets you listen to regular episodes (like this one!) without sponsors. Sign-up at plus.npr.org/ted

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy




from

What we—and AI—can learn from nature's intelligence

Artificial intelligence is powerful, but what about natural intelligence? This hour, TED speakers explore the intrinsic genius in animal language, insect behavior, plant anatomy and our immune system.

Guests include neuroscientist Greg Gage, computational neuroscientist Frances Chance, social psychoneuroimmunologist Keely Muscatell and environmental researcher Karen Bakker.

Original broadcast date: March 8, 2024

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy




from

Ary Amaya is 27 acres into an Indigenous-led reforestation of L.A. She’s far from done

The UCLA graduate student is helping ensure that Native ecology drives the region’s land management for centuries to come.




from

University of Toronto Professor Awarded Grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation

Toronto, ON – An economics professor at the University of Toronto is the recipient of a prestigious grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to study the behavioural welfare economics of how nudges affect financial decision making. Sandro Ambuehl is an assistant professor in the Department of Management at the University of Toronto Scarborough, with […]





from

From Jeopardy to the classroom: IBM brings its Watson platform to the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto

TORONTO, ON — A group of students in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto are getting the opportunity of a lifetime. Using the vast capabilities of IBM’s Watson, the cognitive computing technology widely known for winning the 2011 Jeopardy challenge, the students will be learning to develop innovative artificial intelligence (AI)-based […]



  • Arts
  • University of Toronto

from

Book by Rotman School Professor Receives Award From Association of American Publishers

Toronto, ON – A book on disruption and innovation by a professor at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management has received a 2017 PROSE Award for Excellence award. The Disruption Dilemma by Prof. Joshua Gans won in the ‘Business, Finance & Management’ category. The PROSE Awards recognize excellence in publishing, and are sponsored […]




from

Rotman Finance Professor Receives Governor’s Award from the Bank of Canada

Toronto, ON – A finance professor at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management received the Governor’s Award from the Bank of Canada. Mikhail (Mike) Simutin, an assistant professor of finance, will receive the award for 2017. The award recognizes outstanding academics at a relatively early stage in their careers, who are working at Canadian […]




from

Professor Michael Sefton receives $1.1 M award from JDRF to advance type 1 diabetes treatment research

Toronto, ON –  University of Toronto professor Michael Sefton (ChemE, IBBME) has been presented with a major research award from international diabetes foundation JDRF to advance treatment research for type 1 diabetes (T1D). The funding, valued at approximately $1.1 million ($845,135 USD), supports a three-year study at the University of Toronto’s Institute of Biomaterials & […]




from

Learn about creating a startup from the accelerator that launched Airbnb, Reddit and Dropbox

Toronto, ON – Since 2005, Y Combinator (YC) has launched 1,200 startups which have a combined valuation of over $65 billion. Without the help of this seed accelerator, companies such as DoorDash, Code Academy and Thalmic Labs would have been lost. On Friday, January 20, 2017, YC will be inaugurating Accelerator Weekend with a panel led […]




from

Machine learning meets materials discovery: Researchers from IBM, Toyota, and Citrine Informatics speak at UofT

Toronto, ON –  Machine learning and artificial intelligence are poised to revolutionize the way companies do business in the fields of healthcare, transportation, and materials research. With the launch of the new Vector Institute, Toronto is quickly becoming a hub for machine learning development. Following this momentum is a three-part limited edition CIFAR seminar series, […]




from

University of Toronto scientists solve puzzle of converting CO₂ emissions to fuel - Saving the planet from climate change with a grain of sand

Saving the planet from climate change with a grain of sandToronto, ON – Every year, humans advance climate change and global warming – and quite likely our own eventual extinction – by injecting about 30 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere. A team of scientists from the University of Toronto (U of T) […]




from

Referendum experts from University of Edinburgh visiting Toronto in June

TORONTO, ON – The University of Edinburgh is bringing a number of high profile academic experts to Toronto from 17–21 June, as part of its General Council Meeting this year. Two academics in particular will be available to speak to reporters about the September 18th Independence Referendum in Scotland and how this event compares to […]




from

G20 experts available to comment from Brisbane, Australia

The first members of G20 Research Group’s team of experts and analysts have arrived in Brisbane for the G20 summit on November 15–16:  Dr. John Kirton, Co-director, G20 Research Group Julia Kulik, Senior Researcher Caroline Bracht, Senior Researcher Kathryn Kotris, Researcher The rest of the team will arrive in time for the pre-summit conference on […]




from

What Can Companies Do to Stay Alive Asks New Book from Strategic Management Faculty at UofT’s Rotman School Management

Toronto, ON – From Volkswagon to BP, from Blackberry to Bombardier, from United Airlines to Equifax, businesses — large and small — face threats to their survival. These worries keep corporate leaders awake and night. Is there anything businesses can do about it? This question and more is answered in new book, Survive and Thrive: […]




from

Canada Should Remove Mexico from Refugee ‘Safe’ List - New report highlights how Mexico remains unsafe, particularly for people affected by HIV

New report highlights how Mexico remains unsafe, particularly for people affected by HIVToronto, ON – Canada should remove Mexico from its refugee ‘safe’ list because of the country’s serious human rights abuses, the University of Toronto’s International Human Rights Program (IHRP) said in a new report released today. Failure to do so could place Canada in […]




from

Ontario Should Revise Discriminatory Policy Against Refugee Drivers - Allow experienced drivers from war-torn countries to skip driving-test waiting period similar to other newcomers in Ontario

Allow experienced drivers from war-torn countries to skip driving-test waiting period similar to other newcomers in OntarioToronto, ON – Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation should revise its policy and allow experienced drivers from war-torn countries to skip the one-year waiting period before their final driving tests — an exemption available to other newcomers in Ontario as well […]




from

The Moth Radio Hour: Live from New York City

In this hour, we present audio from a great live show. This episode is hosted by Jay Allison, and the live event was hosted by CJ Hunt. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.

Hosted by: Jay Allison

Storytellers:

Micaela Blei

Nathan Englander

Barbara Bowie




from

The Moth Radio Hour: Live from Jackson

In this episode, we present four stories all about coming to the precipice of catastrophe. A vicious rumor shakes the foundations of family and home, a potential romance takes a dark turn, and a woman’s heritage dangles over oblivion by a thread. Hosted by Tara Clancy in front of a live audience in Jackson, Wyoming, with additional hosting by Jay Allison.

Hosted by: Jay Allison

Live Host: Tara Clancy

Tara Clancy is unprepared for a conversation around sexuality with her son.

Cristina Briones faces down a housing crisis.

Terrance Flynn attempts to catch the romantic-interest of an enigmatic stranger.

Nina McConigley clings to her heritage with a safety pin and a sari.




from

The Moth Radio Hour: Live from the Cowboy Poetry Gathering

In this hour, stories from the Elko Cowboy Poetry Gathering. Hosted by Dame Wilburn, with additional hosting from Jay Allison. A woman says goodbye to her childhood ranch; a young girl finally gets her wish to own a pet; a Guatemalan teenager goes on a silent and stealthy mission; and a Dakota man tries to track down someone he has not seen in years. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media in Woods Hole, Massachusetts.

Hosted by: Jay Allison

Storytellers:

Teresa Jordan returns home to a parched and cracked land.

Dame Wilburn visits Macon, Georgia for a summer and gets an unconventional pet.

Nestor Gomez flees the Guatemalan Civil War to the safety of his mother’s home.

Bobby Wilson hears of a Dakota man he desperately tries to meet.




from

The Moth Radio Hour: Live from Santa Barbara

A special live edition of The Moth brought to you from the Lobero Theater in Santa Barbara, California. An encounter in the Alaskan wilderness, an intergenerational connection through music, and a rockstar who feels out of touch. This episode is hosted by Dame Wilburn, with additional hosting by Jay Allison. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media in Woods Hole, Massachusetts.

Storytellers:

Monte Montepare finds himself at an emotional crossroads in rural Alaska.

Christina Igaraividez connects to her grandmother through the violin.

Drummer Patty Schemel finds herself on tour with millennials.




from

Lessons from Dad: Masooma Ranalvi

On this episode, we explore what we can learn from our fathers. Hosted by Emily Couch, Producer of Special Projects and Radio at the Moth.

Storyteller:

Masooma Ranalvi learns some important lessons about justice and courage from her father.

The Moth would like to thank its listeners and supporters. Stories like these are made possible by community giving. If you’re not already a member, please consider becoming one or making a one-time donation today at themoth.org/giveback




from

The Moth Radio Hour: Live from London

This week, a special episode of The Moth, live from the Union Chapel in London. Stories of holding on and letting go. Adventures in low-stakes crime, military training, and family trees. This episode is hosted by Jon Goode, with additional hosting by Jay Allison, producer of this show.

Storytellers:

Altar boy Kevin McDonnell idolizes the Six Million Dollar Man.

Jon Goode must take a swim test to become a marine.

Runa takes a journey into her family history.

Nick Ullett describes his (mis)adventures on the path towards adoption.




from

The Moth Radio Hour: Live from Dayton

A special live edition of The Moth, brought to you from the Victoria Theater in Dayton, Ohio. Conscious uncoupling, a livestock auction, new perspectives, and Darth Vader. This hour is hosted by Dame Wilburn with additional hosting by Jay Allison, producer of The Moth Radio Hour.

Storytellers:

Sara Rabidoux-Kelsey has a unique living arrangement with her ex.

Dame Wilburn has a startling encounter with Darth Vader.

16 and pregnant, Jackie Andrews must find a way out of financial hardship.

Anthony Brinkley finds his perspective changed after being the victim of a racially-motivated attack.




from

The Moth Radio Hour: Hidden Treasure - Live from The Moth’s Education Showcase

A special live edition of The Moth -- with five stories from a night showcasing the graduates of Moth High School storytelling workshops. Join us to celebrate student stories of first kisses, culture shock, finding a niche, and baking apple cake. This hour is hosted by Moth Teaching Artist Julian Goldhagen, with additional hosting by Moth Executive Producer Sarah Austin Jenness. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.

Storytellers:

Isobel Connelly grows up feeling like the stupid girl.

Saya Shamdasani feels caught between two cultures.

David Lepelstat is nervous about his first kiss.

Luna Azcurrain and her grandfather create a Thanksgiving tradition.

Beth Gebresilasie tries to protect herself from her family's constant moving.

Podcast: 651




from

The Moth Radio Hour: Live from Anchorage

This week, a special episode of The Moth Radio Hour—featuring a live Mainstage show from Anchorage, Alaska. Family ties, king salmon, and cheese. Hosted by Jacoby Cochran with additional hosting by Moth Executive Producer, Sarah Austin Jenness. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.

Storytellers:

For the first time in his life, Lamar Sloss feels in over his head. 

Poet Laureate of Wisconsin, Dasha Kelly Hamilton, makes a move.

Monica Woo contends with the loss of her brother.

Podcast # 883




from

The Moth Podcast: Live from LA

We've got a special treat for you this episode! We're featuring a recent Los Angeles GrandSLAM - with hosting, audience slips, music, and of course, great stories. The episode was introduced by Sarah Austin Jenness, and the GrandSLAM was hosted by Brian Finkelstein. The musicians in this episode were Alexander Burke, who played the vibraphone, and Eban Schletter, who played the theremin.

Special thanks to Gary Buchler, regional producer of The Moth's Los Angeles slam series.

Storytellers:

Jess Nurse learns a bit about friendship after your twenties.

David Ambroz finds inner strength in a challenging situation.

Bryan Kett plays disc-golf with some misfits.





from

What Has Panera's CEO Learned From the Pandemic?

Panera’s leader Niren Chaudhary has firsthand experience of leading through adversity.




from

Achieving Healthcare Excellence: Insights from Jarvis Gray on Lean Six Sigma and Leadership

Scroll down for how to subscribe, transcript, and more My guest for Episode #519 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Jarvis Gray, the Managing Director of The Quality Coaching Co. He offers more than 16 years of strategic planning, quality improvement, and operations leadership experience in the healthcare industry.  Through his firm, The Quality Coaching Co., Jarvis and his associates help healthcare organizations foster cultures of system-wide quality improvement by offering customized Lean Six […]

The post Achieving Healthcare Excellence: Insights from Jarvis Gray on Lean Six Sigma and Leadership by Mark Graban appeared first at Lean Blog.




from

In the Transition From Candidate to Employee, Collaboration Is Key

Every candidate on the job market is looking for the perfect position — and that's harder than it sounds. Looking for a job is a full-time job of its own. Job seekers head into the market every single day to ensure they'll get the role they truly desire. Even though it's a very tiring and time-consuming process, candidates put up with it because they know they will be rewarded in the end. On the flip side, employers are doing a very similar ...




from

Who Benefits from Facebook's $100B IPO?

Yesterday, Mashable published a piece on Facebook's potentially massive IPO. The numbers are absolutely astounding: if Facebook's IPO goes as expected, it will raise six times as much money as Google's. But even more incredibly, this will value the company at $100 billion. For some comparison, let's look at a corporate giant like Pfizer. It's currently ...




from

Learns from ISO 9001:2015

Having conducted well over 700 audits, there are some patterns that have developed that are interesting to note.




from

Certification Exam Success From Thinking Slow Quickly

This article considers how quality professionals and practitioners can more effectively prepare for their certification exams which are proctored or supervised as they complete a selection of responses from multiple-choice questions.




from

Big Money from Small Data

The hype around "big data" has mainly aimed at niche market sales without delivering expected benefits. Similarly, the business world's obsession with Lean Six Sigma has shown minimal returns on investment. In contrast, over the last 25 years, I've leveraged small Excel files to significantly cut costs and increase profits, often by millions of dollars, through a reliable sequence I discovered.




from

August 2024 US Cutting Tool Orders Total $209.3 Million, Up 9.1% From July 2024

Shipments of cutting tools, measured by the Cutting Tool Market Report compiled in a collaboration between AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology and the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI), totaled $209.3 million in August 2024.




from

Statistical Process Control: From Reactive to Predictive

Statistical Process Control (SPC) is evolving to not just detect defects, but also to predict and prevent issues. Modern factories use more sensors and collect more data, allowing SPC to analyze real-time patterns and forecast potential issues.




from

Evolution of Obi-Wan From Lucas Films Star Wars

Evolution of Obi-Wan From Lucas Films Star Wars by Mike Kupka is a(n) Limited Edition. The Edition is Limited to Limited Edition Of 75 pcs




from

Metal Man From Lucas Films Star Wars

Metal Man From Lucas Films Star Wars by Greg Peltz is a(n) Limited Edition. The Edition is Limited to Limited Edition Of 75 pcs




from

Garden Waltz From Beauty and The Beast

Garden Waltz From Beauty and The Beast by James Coleman is a(n) Limited Edition. The Edition is Limited to Limited Edition Of 95 pcs




from

Garden Waltz From Beauty and The Beast

Garden Waltz From Beauty and The Beast by James Coleman is a(n) Limited Edition. The Edition is Limited to Limited Edition Of 30 pcs




from

Obi-Wan Kenobi From Lucas Films Star Wars

Obi-Wan Kenobi From Lucas Films Star Wars by Donato Giancola is a(n) Limited Edition. The Edition is Limited to Limited Edition Of 95 pcs




from

CSTM 2024: Reflections from Canadian Blood Services trainees, part 1

CSTM 2024: Reflections from Canadian Blood Services trainees, part 1


Tuesday, July 09, 2024 Trainees

The Canadian Society for Transfusion Medicine (CSTM) annual conference, held in partnership with Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec, took place on May 23-26, 2024, in Saskatoon with the theme of “Bridging transfusion communities.” 

Coinciding with CSTM, Canadian Blood Services' annual Research Day also provided a chance for Canadian Blood Services’ extended research network to collaborate, share their research, and connect. We asked two Canadian Blood Services research trainees to reflect on their experiences and key learnings from these events. Read on for their perspectives! 

This blog was prepared by Mahsa Yazdanbakhsh, a PhD candidate in Dr. Jason Acker’s lab in Edmonton, and Carina Paredes, a PhD candidate in Dr. Sandra Ramirez-Arcos' lab in Ottawa. Mahsa and Carina are recipients of Canadian Blood Services Graduate Fellowship Program as well as travel bursaries to support their attendance at these events. 

Carina (left) and Mahsa (right) are pictured attending Canadian Blood Services’ Research Day event in Saskatoon, May 2024. Photo provided by Emily Wright.

1. You both contributed as planning committee members for Research Day 2024; why were you interested in contributing in this way?  

Carina:  

I volunteered for the Research Day organizing committee because I wanted to improve skills such as leadership and organizational abilities and because I believe that actively participating at Research Day is an opportunity for us [trainees] to engage in knowledge dissemination, networking and collaboration that will support our future careers!   

The best part of participating in this event was being an active part of the organizing committee and connecting with trainees, scientists, and managers, which provided me with a great opportunity to network.   

Mahsa:  

I contributed to Research Day 2024 as a planning committee member and moderated a session of presentations. My role involved organizing speaker sessions and supporting team communication. Having attended previous Research Days, I was eager to help enhance the event and being on the planning committee gave me a deeper appreciation for the effort involved while collaborating with a dedicated team. I learned valuable skills in event planning, teamwork, and problem-solving. Additionally, it expanded my network and allowed me to connect with many professionals at Canadian Blood Services.  

It's important for trainees to be involved because it offers leadership experience and fosters a greater connection to the academic community. 

2. Did you also share your research during Research Day and/or CSTM and if so, in what ways? 

Carina:  

I was selected for a Poster presentation at CSTM and I was also able to briefly present it at Research Day. My poster was titled “Role of the efflux pump NorB in survival and increased quinolone resistance of Staphylococcus aureus grown in platelet concentrates.” Staphylococcus aureus is a round-shaped bacterium that is naturally found in the skin and mucosa of healthy humans. It is important to study because contamination of blood components with this bacterium is a major safety threat to transfusion patients. My work aims to unravel the role of a specific gene in antibiotic resistance and virulence of Staphylococcus aureus when grown in platelet components.  

“Having this opportunity to present my work allowed me to receive feedback from peers and experts from different areas of the transfusion medicine. I find this aspect of presenting and sharing my work very important especially because the feedback received will direct me to improve my work and attain stronger research outcomes.” 

Mahsa:  

I presented my research during CSTM and Research Day through a poster and a rapid trainee presentation. My poster was titled, "Osmotic Variability in Red Blood Cells from Different Blood Donor Groups." A typical red blood cell’s lifespan is 120 days. This study compared how younger and older red blood cells from frequent and non-frequent blood donors respond to osmotic changes. Osmotic changes relate to the balance of fluid within a cell. Results showed significant differences in osmotic response among different donor groups, and these results may be useful for optimizing blood product quality and functionality. 

“Sharing research at these events provides an opportunity to disseminate findings to a broader audience within the transfusion community, which is important because the research contributes to existing knowledge in the field and has the potential to influence future research directions and clinical practice.”  

Overall, presenting at Canadian Blood Services’ Research Day and CSTM allows for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and advancements in the field of transfusion medicine, ultimately benefiting patients and health-care providers alike. 

3. How many times have you attended Research Day and CSTM and what was your favourite moment or takeaway this year?  

Carina: 

I attended Research Day and CSTM in 2023 and 2024. I really enjoyed every day of this event, but the highlight of this year was to visit the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) facilities in Saskatoon and learn more about their very interesting work. I was very pleased to listen to the keynote speakers at CSTM and their opening remarks. 

Mahsa:  

This marked my third participation in CSTM and second in Research Day, and the highlight was the reunion with familiar faces after a year! Meeting my close friend, whom I hadn't anticipated seeing at CSTM, was particularly delightful and added an extra layer of joy to the event for me. 

4. What would you say to other trainees about Research Day and/or CSTM? 

Carina:  

It’s a great opportunity for improvement and promotes learning, collaboration and innovation. It also allows us trainees to learn from each other's experiences, receive feedback from experts, and improve our individual performance. 

“I would say to other trainees: Participate, be present and get involved! As a trainee, it is important to not only present our research, but also to engage in organizational activities that will build our skill set for our future career.” 

Mahsa:  

I would encourage other trainees to actively participate in both Research Day and CSTM. Attending Research Day provides a platform to present your work and receive constructive feedback, while CSTM offers a broader networking opportunity within the transfusion community. These events offer opportunities for trainees in Canadian Blood Services’ research and education network to share research findings, receive feedback, and network with peers and experts. 

“By participating in these events, you not only contribute to the advancement of knowledge in transfusion medicine but also refine skills and establish connections that can be beneficial for your future endeavors.” 


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.  

Related blog posts


Thursday, June 29, 2023
Abby Wolfe

Canadian Blood Services supports capacity building in transfusion medicine through the support of research and physician trainees. In this blog, trainees reflect on their experiences attending CSTM 2023 in Montreal.


Thursday, April 25, 2024
Dr. Matthew Yan

Canadian Blood Services is looking forward to connecting with members of the transfusion community at CSTM 2024, happening this May in Saskatoon! In lead-up to the event, a series of blogs will preview some of the contributions of our research and education network to CSTM 2024.


Thursday, May 16, 2024
Dr. Bill Sheffield

Canadian Blood Services is looking forward to connecting with members of the transfusion community at CSTM 2024, happening this month in Saskatoon! In this third post in a series of blogs counting down to CSTM 2024, Dr. William (Bill) Sheffield shares what he’s looking forward to about this year’s events.




from

CSTM 2024: Reflections from Canadian Blood Services trainees, part 2

CSTM 2024: Reflections from Canadian Blood Services trainees, part 2


Tuesday, July 16, 2024 Poojan Joshi

The Canadian Society for Transfusion Medicine (CSTM) annual conference, held in partnership with Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec, took place on May 23-26, 2024, in Saskatoon with the theme of “Bridging transfusion communities.”

Coinciding with CSTM, Canadian Blood Services' annual Research Day also provided a chance for Canadian Blood Services’ extended research network to collaborate, share their research, and connect. Following these events, we asked Canadian Blood Services research trainees to reflect on their experiences and key learnings from the event.

This blog was prepared by Poojan Joshi, a research assistant working with Canadian Blood Services social scientists Drs. Jennie Haw and Kelly Holloway.

Dr. Jennie Haw (left), Dr. Kelly Holloway (centre) and Poojan Joshi (right) are pictured attending Research Day in Saskatoon. Photo by Emily Wright, Canadian Blood Services.

What was it like attending your first Canadian Blood Services Research Day and CSTM conference as a research assistant? 

Attending CSTM 2024 for the first time (it was also my first conference ever!) as a social science research assistant was an incredible experience for many reasons. As I listened to the various presentations and engaged with experts in the field, I was struck by the vast array of knowledge and experience attendees brought to the field of transfusion medicine. I was also humbled by the multidisciplinary collaborations that go into building and maintaining an efficient blood system. 

My background includes training in social psychology and qualitative research methods from the University of Guelph, where I developed interest in areas such as health, immigration and refugees, public and media discourse and policy. In December 2022, I had the opportunity to work on a social science research project with Dr. Kelly Holloway and Dr. Jennie Haw titled “Addressing Systemic Barriers to Donation for Donors of African and South Asian Ancestry.” This project aligned very well with my research interests and underscored the importance of applying a broader sociocultural perspective to donation practices and research. I soon realized that my diverse interests were more connected than I had originally thought as I began to understand donation as a complex social act embedded in a wide sociocultural and political context. 

This understanding allowed me to view the presentations, posters, and plenary sessions of Research Day and CSTM 2024 through a social science lens. In doing so, I appreciated the impact that social science has on many aspects of the blood system, from donor to recipient, and the critical role it plays in addressing current and future complex challenges.

“Since joining Canadian Blood Services as a full-time research assistant in September 2023, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the role of social science in transfusion medicine. 

Under the excellent mentorship of Drs. Kelly Holloway and Jennie Haw, I have developed a profound appreciation for the intersection of these fields and the critical insights social science can bring to transfusion medicine.” 

Thinking about Research Day specifically, what learnings or ideas have the presentations sparked for you?

Dr. Chantale Pambrun’s opening remarks highlighted the importance of the blood operator and how research plays a crucial role in improving transfusion medicine and health, as well as several challenges and opportunities ahead. One significant area where social science has played a key role is in donor policies and changes in deferral criteria. Dr. Mindy Goldman’s presentation noted that because donor policies impact blood safety, public perception, and product availability, a multidisciplinary approach is required to balance donor and recipient safety with the maintenance of an adequate supply.

Dr. Kelly Holloway’s presentation on the lived experiences of immunoglobulin recipients demonstrated the importance of incorporating patient stories to advance our understanding of health and inspire positive change. Immunoglobulin products (Ig) are manufactured from plasma and may be needed by patients with immunodeficiencies or autoimmune and alloimmune disorders

What was the most memorable moment from the CSTM 2024 program this year and what reflections did you take away from it?  

Dr. Jennie Haw’s presentation on the systemic barriers to blood donation experienced by donors of African and South Asian ancestry was memorable for me, as it illustrated the strengths and commitment of diverse communities in donating blood and plasma, highlighting the need to address the barriers they face. As I am actively involved in this project, it was powerful to see this perspective of social science shared with experts.

Another memorable session was the plenary on Indigenous health and well-being in Northern Saskatchewan. Presentations by Rena Sutherland, Janet Tootoosis, and Jack Janvier highlighted key considerations for transfusion medicine, such as trust, relationship-building, community engagement, and patient-centred care. They discussed the challenges of providing transfusions in remote areas and emphasized the importance of collaboration, expertise, resources, and clear communication.

The session also addressed the impact of colonialism, including residential schools, ongoing racism, and the exclusion of Indigenous holistic health views to provide guidance on effectively engaging Indigenous communities using a strengths-based approach. Social science research is crucial in these areas as it helps build and maintain trust through community engagement, ensuring inclusive and culturally safe care for donors and recipients. 

“My time at CSTM 2024 was more than just an academic exercise; it was a recognition of the inseparability of social science from the field of transfusion medicine. The talks and discussions illustrated how societal factors are connected to health outcomes and donor policies.”  

I am excited to carry this knowledge forward to the 2024 International Society of Blood Transfusion conference in June, where I hope to take my learning from a Canadian context and expand it by engaging with international experts in transfusion medicine. By fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and supporting innovative approaches, we can ensure that our blood systems not only operate efficiently but also resonate with the voices and needs of all communities.

Read more about social science and diversity in the blood system in these articles on blood.ca:


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.  

Related blog posts


Tuesday, July 09, 2024
Trainees

Canadian Blood Services research trainees reflect on the 2024 Canadian Society for Transfusion Medicine (CSTM) conference and their experience as planning committee members for Canadian Blood Services’ Research Day.


Thursday, May 02, 2024
Dr. Jennie Haw

Canadian Blood Services is looking forward to connecting with members of the transfusion community at CSTM 2024, happening this May in Saskatoon! In this second post in a series of blogs counting down to CSTM 2024, Dr. Jennie Haw shares her insights in lead-up to the event.


Thursday, June 29, 2023
Abby Wolfe

Canadian Blood Services supports capacity building in transfusion medicine through the support of research and physician trainees. In this blog, trainees reflect on their experiences attending CSTM 2023 in Montreal.




from

Maplesoft President and CEO Receives Honorary Doctorate from the University of Waterloo

James Cooper Recognized for Enhancing Quality of Education and for Outstanding Contributions to the Discipline of Engineering Waterloo, Canada; November 08, 2016: Maplesoft™ announced that James (Jim) Cooper, its president and CEO, has received an honorary doctorate from the University of Waterloo (UW). The University presented Cooper with a Doctor of Engineering degree at a recent graduation ceremony held at the university.




from

Maplesoft President and CEO Receives Honorary Doctorate from the University of Waterloo

Maplesoft announced that James (Jim) Cooper, its president and CEO, has received an honorary doctorate from the University of Waterloo (UW). The University presented Cooper with a Doctor of Engineering degree at a recent graduation ceremony held at the university.




from

ARKA Group Acquires Radar And Sensor Tech Unit From Maxar Intelligence

ARKA Group last Friday said it has acquired the Radar and Sensor Technology (RST) business from Maxar Intelligence , providing it with experts that support classified government sensor programs. Terms […]




from

Private Equity Firm Acquires Defense Engineering Firm From Trident Maritime Systems

The private equity firm J.F. Lehman & Co. on Monday said its portfolio company Trident Maritime Systems has sold its Hoffman Engineering company to another investment firm, Branford Castle Partners. […]




from

BWX Technologies To Acquire Specialty Materials Business From L3Harris Technologies

BWX Technologies [BWXT] has agreed to acquire a specialty materials and manufacturing business from L3Harris Technologies ’ [LHX] Aerojet Rocketdyne segment for $100 million. The Aerojet Ordnance Tennessee, Inc. (AOT) […]