IPFA/PEI 31st International Workshop on Surveillance and Screening of Blood-borne Pathogens
On the 14 & 15 of May, the 31st IPFA/PEI Workshop took place at the beautiful city of Heidelberg.
The workshop kicked off on 14 May, with introductions from IPFA and our local hosts from PEI and Robert Koch Institute in Germany. The first day of the event featured a great mix of knowledge and insights, starting with a keynote lecture highlighting challenges for safety ahead, and continuing with several sessions on (re-)emerging viruses, on why and how parvovirus is monitored, and how syphilis is still a concern. Overall, it was a great mix of scientific presentations and engaging discussions with the 13 expert speakers and panelists.
Once again, the IPFA Award was presented during the workshop. This year, we wanted to celebrate and reward Dr. Johannes Blümel, Head of Virus Safety Section at the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut in Langen, Germany. This recognition is a testament to his groundbreaking contributions to the viral safety of blood products and plasma-derived medicines.
To top the day off, participants enjoyed a memorable dinner on a boat, cruising the serene waters and taking in the magnificent views. This was an ideal way of ending the day and connect with one another.
Following an eventful first day, we had our second day filled with 4 ground-breaking sessions, starting with industry leading manufacturers presenting their recent developments, initiatives and activities. Strategies to maintain the safety of blood transfusion were the subject of lively discussion including the role of pathogen reduction/inactivation technologies. We connected with learnings from the past from the recent UK blood inquiry, moving into new possible transmissible agents such as amyloid beta and potential risks from live vaccines. Finally the workshop considered the potential contribution of blood donor screening to large-scale epidemiological surveillance systems and the emerging role and development of AI in this field.
Sadly, all things must come to end…but we finished off in style! After the closing remarks, our attendees could finish their discussions, talk to new and old acquaintances and wish each other Auf Wiedersehen at the farewell reception.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to and participated in this year’s workshop.
Proceedings of the Workshop will become available on the 28th of May.
