Reflecting on Blood 2026, HSANZ Program Convenor and HSANZ Councillor Dr James Liang (Middlemore Hospital, New Zealand) explains that the conference built on the strong foundations of previous years, with a broad program designed to appeal to clinicians, researchers, scientists and trainees alike.
"This year we had a record number of abstracts submitted to the HSANZ stream," Dr Liang says. "We continue to offer high-quality malignant haematology programs and in the field of immunotherapy with invited international experts as expected by Blood Conference delegates."
A key focus for 2026 was expanding the classical and laboratory haematology program in response to delegate feedback. "After hearing the feedback from delegates last year, we made the conscious decision to increase the laboratory haematology program," Dr Liang explains. "We have tried to integrate the laboratory component into disease-specific streams where appropriate and there were also dedicated laboratory symposiums."
Among the scientific highlights were presentations from internationally recognised experts including Dr Ghayas 'Gus' Issa, Professor Andrew Wei, Dr Robert Hasserjian and Dr Austin Kulasekararaj. You can read more here about some of the guest speakers.
Dr Liang said that the breadth of expertise across AML, myeloma, laboratory haematology and immunotherapy was a major strength of this year's program. In particular, Dr Liang points out the laboratory haematology symposium that examined evolving classification systems for myeloid neoplasms and emerging developments in myelodysplastic syndromes.
Beyond the scientific sessions, Blood 2026 included professional development opportunities focused on scientific publishing, mindfulness and cultural safety. Dr Liang noted that this year's conference marked the first collaboration between HSANZ and the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) to deliver a cultural safety workshop. "I am excited at what will be on offer once this is fully embedded into future programs," he says.
Dr Liang also highlighted the growing engagement of early-career members through the pre-conference Trainee Day with emcee, HSANZ Early-Career Group Chair, Dr Amanda Goh, and welcomed the launch of the HSANZ 2030 Strategy during the conference. "The Strategy has been developed over the last year with consultation sessions with our members and key stakeholders to get valuable feedback," he says, encouraging members to continue contributing to the Society's future direction.
HSANZ President, Dr Adam Bryant stated during the AGM, “For the first time at Blood this year, we [participated] in the RACP Specialty Society ASM CPD pilot. This allows eligible CPD activity undertaken at the meeting to be recognised directly through the RACP, rather than members having to separately document that activity themselves. As part of this collaboration, the RACP [delivered] an in-person cultural safety workshop,’ Good blood? Culturally safe practice in haematology,’ on the Wednesday morning.
“This initiative is a good example of several elements of our strategy coming together. It supports Workforce and Career Development by making professional development easier for our members, strengthens Education by incorporating accredited learning within Blood, and reflects the Partnerships and Collaborations pillar through closer practical engagement with the RACP. It is a model I hope we can develop further in future meetings.”
As Blood 2026 demonstrated, the conference continues to provide a forum for world-class science, professional development and collaboration, while showcasing the strength and vibrancy of the Australasian haematology community.
Check out photos from Blood here and a highlights video here.
