Travel Grants Information
2024
Hannah Docker - British society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (BSHI) conference 2024
I am incredibly grateful to OTF for facilitating my attendance at this meeting, which has enabled me to continue my development as a clinical scientist. This year the BSHI annual conference was held in Manchester on the 24-25th September. The Oxford Transplant Immunology and Immunogenetics laboratory submitted 3 abstracts to the organising committee. These have been published in the International Journal of Immunogenetics volume 51, issue S2. The titles ‘O9: Introducing a programme of HNA-3 genotyping and antibody screening for patients on the solid organ transplant list’ and ‘O12: First successful imlifidase-enabled kidney transplant in the UK: a case report’ were both selected to be presented at the conference in the best abstract category. ‘P22: Outcomes of delisting antibody specificities in highly sensitized transplant recipients: The Oxford experience’ was selected as a poster presentation.
The conference programme was extremely stimulating and featured talks including updates on OTDT and the H&I support required, improving access to HPC and solid organ transplantation, and transplanting highly sensitised patients. Additionally there were talks from guest speakers Professor Dan Davis on ‘The secret body’ and Dr Rob Liwski ‘From Halifax to AXE: Developing cutting edge protocols for HLA antibody detection’. My colleague Jeanette Ayers was due to attend the conference to present abstract O12, however unfortunately she was unwell and unable to attend. As I have been involved in the work on imlifidase-enabled transplantation in Oxford, I stepped in to give this talk at the conference, as well as my own abstract on HNA-3 genotyping and antibody screening: a non-HLA target that has been shown to be relevant in cases of kidney transplant rejection. This was my first time presenting scientific work at a conference and I felt privileged to be demonstrating the cutting-edge work that we are carrying out in the Oxford lab to facilitate the transplantation of highly sensitized patients and also our work to tackle unexpectedly positive crossmatches and subsequent negative outcomes for graft survival.
It was very valuable to hear of the work carried out by other UK transplant laboratories and the collaboration and connections made at the conference are paramount to our development as a laboratory. Additionally, my role as a senior clinical scientist also involves being a BSHI diploma training manager and delivering content to our local BSHI diploma trainees (of which there are currently 5 members of staff). Hearing of the current work in our discipline helps me to remain abreast of the latest developments and deliver up-to-date training on current practice and scientific advances to our trainee clinical scientists.
2023
Mohamed Aly Mohamed Elshafei Elzawahry - IPITA-IXA-CTRMS congress
This was a particularly special event as it combined the three international associations of pancreas, islet, xenotransplantation, regenerative medicine and cell therapy.
I was in attendance as I was invited to present my work orally and I was awarded a scientific congress award for my work, which was generously funded by an OTF grant awarded in 2022.
The research I presented was to compare different modes of oxygenated cold machine preservation of the pancreas, which is a novel technique. This is a promising application for this technology and it is quite close to application in the clinical environment.
If this transition to the clinical environment is successful, this research has the potential to reduce preservation injury, increasing the number of pancreases safely and successfully used for transplant. Presenting at such an international platform was a well-timed valuable opportunity to publicise our work in the transplant community and gain invaluable feedback.
Irene Mosca - ESOT 23, Athens 17-20 September 2023 - "Transplantation at a crossroads"
The European Society for Organ Transplantation (ESOT) Congress occurs every two
years and it aims to provide “state of the art” updates on the most relevant topics in
Transplantation and to explore future avenues in the field. The mission of the Society is
to “improve outcomes for patients with terminal organ disease through transplantation,
organ regeneration and substitution.”
The choice of Athens to host ESOT Congress 2023 seemed particularly befitting and
dense of significance, for it is one of the birthplaces of occidental medicine and medical
education, possibly the most cherished endeavours of this Society. It was an in-person
event attended by approximately 2800 participants from over 80 countries. In addition
to presentations and plenary sessions, there were many learning opportunities for
young professionals, such as short courses, workshops and “hands-on” sessions on
machine perfusion.
ESOT has a long-standing tradition of focusing on ground-breaking discoveries in
clinical, translational, and technological fields, whilst appraising and challenging
standard practice, when appropriate. ESOT 2023 Congress met the above
expectations, however there were a few novelties that placed this event in a league of
its own. In fact, it seemed as if, possibly as a response to recent challenging times, the
Transplant Community has begun a journey to adapt to the needs of a rapidly changing
world. Hence the meeting was organised with an inquisitive approach to new ways to
deliver healthcare.
More specifically, in addition to traditional topics (donor and recipients’ management-
clinical outcomes- organ retrieval, preservation, optimisation and regeneration- surgical
and immunological challenges- biomarkers of rejection- artificial organs and
xenotransplantation), this congress focused on three emerging aspects of care:
digitalisation, patient-centred approach and inclusivity.
The meeting was structured around 5 domains to highlight what is most relevant in
Transplantation and where the current challenges lie: “innovation and technology”,
“regeneration and repair”, “realistic care”, “digital transformation” and “shared decision
making.” This conceptual framework confirmed how we are shifting from “clinician-only”
to “patient driven” health care delivery and how we are zooming out to gain a broader/
more inclusive approach to tackle inequalities.
The choice of keynote speakers for the Open Plenary “Transplantation at a crossroads”
was a clear introduction to the new challenges ESOT intends to embrace: John Nosta,
one of the most influential digital health thinkers and innovators; Donna Cryer, liver
transplant recipient and champion of patient’s advocacy/centeredness; Tobias Degsell,
world renowned expert in learning and creativity based on collaboration and inclusivity.
One of the main take home messages of the meeting was how the pandemic has
demonstrated the necessity of collaboration, the importance of technology and
digitalisation and how the latter comes with a unique set of challenges.
The second take home message was that the transplant community needs to develop
strategies to address inequalities in access to transplantation, education, and
digitalisation. Finally, it was underlined how inclusivity and diversity, fuelled by trust and
collaboration, will be essential to use the opportunities offered by the new technologies
and to tackle new challenges.
The state-of-the-art session “delivering health care and transplantation in times of
crisis” demonstrated how the above issues are essential in Transplantation.
As underlined by the first speaker, Dr Matthew Weiss (Canada), a robust system of
reliable digital data collection and international communication are key to swiftly create
clinical guidance at a time of crisis. This approach seems essential in a population
such as transplant recipients, who require highly specialised treatment, expertise, and
infrastructure (Mehemet Sever, Turkey). Finally, the last speaker, Raymand Vanholder
(Belgium) questioned the level of preparedness of health care systems for future crisis
and highlighted the need for adequate planning and education to address the unique
challenges related to transplantation.
Indirect confirmation of the relevance of the above issues for ESOT is the creation of a
specific project for “Building Resilience Against crisis: a systematic and global
approach to adVancE organ Safety and supply in Transplantation (BRAVEST)”
With regards to the scientific content, as expected, most presentations spun from the
everlasting discrepancy between organ demand and availability. And indeed, research
in transplantation is essentially focused on minimising this gap, by addressing every
possible aspect and step of the donation/transplantation pathway: from optimising
donation-donors-organs to predicting-minimising-treating rejection and improving long
term patient and graft survival.
Research on donation was focused on how to expand the donor pool. Exciting results
on the impact of kidney exchange programs and non-directed altruistic donation were
presented, as well as data on the use of technology and patient advocacy to increase
awareness and equity of access to transplantation.
Many presentations evolved around analysing outcomes of different type of donors,
such as extended criteria, DCD/DBD, uncontrolled DCD, incompatible kidney
transplantation and organs retrieved after normothermic regional perfusion. The data
available clearly confirms how the careful broadening of donor’s selection criteria has
yielded excellent results both in terms of increased activity and quality of transplanted
organs.
Variables related to donation have inevitably increased in time, hence researchers
have been trying to develop algorithms capable of predicting quality of organs and
outcomes based on big data, large databases and bioresources on donors, now
available thanks to the visionary work of the Oxford based QUOD biobank.
Projects on preservation techniques continues to be at the forefront of research in
transplantation. The use of innovative organ perfusion strategies (normothermic
regional perfusion, normothermic ex-vivo machine perfusion and hypothermic machine
perfusion) has been increasing rapidly in the past decade. A lot of data is now available
on their positive impact on organ reconditioning and, ultimately, in expanding the
availability of transplantable organs. Moreover, interesting work was presented on their
essential role in laboratory-based research on regenerative therapies.
At recipient level, the most relevant areas of research were on early detection of
rejection (algorithms for risk assessment, identification of reliable and easily detectable
biomarkers, monitoring), treatment of complications and finding new ways to safely
minimise immunosuppression. With regards to the latter, one of the most promising
avenues is the pursue of immunological tolerance by means CAR T-regulatory cells.
Unsurprisingly, the winner of this year’s clinical arm of the prestigious Leonardo da
Vinci transplant research innovation award was a presentation on an automated assay
to assess kidney transplant rejection with urinary chemokine (Elizabeth Van Loon,
Leuven, Belgium).
The basic science prize was awarded to a work on engineered t cells to overcome
antibody mediated rejection (Anna C. Dragon, Hannover, Germany), however,
research on CAR-Tregs featured again amongst the shortlisted, confirming how cell
engineering will provide new ways to increase the lifespan of transplanted organs.
Moreover, genetic manipulation has proven instrumental in the progress of research on
Xenotransplantation. US data on genetically modified minipigs kidneys into macaque
monkeys seems to have brought us one step closer to such target, by demonstrating
how gene-editing can improve xenograft survival (Ahmad Karadagi, Boston, USA).
Finally, the rationale behind ESOT manifesto for 2024-2029- eliminating inequalities in
organ transplantation across Europe- was highlighted in the state-of-the-art session on
policy making. The three main EU policy objectives are currently improving safety and
quality, increasing efficiency and accessibility, and increasing organ availability. Again,
patient’s role in shaping the future in transplantation was deemed essential, with
patients’ associations identified as one of the most effective ways to rapidly implement
meaningful change.
In conclusion, the ESOT Congress 2023 wasn’t just an update on the most relevant
innovations in transplantation, but most of all, it offered the opportunity to understand
how the transplant community is changing to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving
society and how stakeholders can contribute to reach our shared goals.
Rebecca Spiers - IPITA-IXA-CTRMS Joint Congress (San Diego) 26th -29th October 2023
I am grateful to the OTF for supporting me to travel to the IPITA-IXA-CTRMS Joint Congress, which took place in San Diego from the 26th -29th October 2023. IPITA is a high impact conference within the islet isolation and transplantation community and is of international standing within this field. The conference offered us an opportunity to witness the very latest cutting edge research occurring within the international islet community, which has been instrumental in underpinning the next phase of our research project planning. The conference offered many fantastic networking opportunities with colleagues, which we are hopeful will lay foundation for future collaboration. I was grateful to have an opportunity to present my accepted oral abstract, which was entitled “Reducing Neutral Protease Dose During Islet Isolation Does Not Impair Islet Recovery from Pancreases Retrieved for Autologous Use”. The abstract was well received and resulted in several key discussion topics.
Laura Wingfield - British Transplantation Society 2023
By attending the British Transplant Society annual conference it provided me with multiple benefits. I was able to present my research at the conference as a finalist for the Medawar Medal for my research focused on Artificial Intelligent (AI) methodology to help predict kidney transplant survival at up to 10 years. This work also highlighted the importance of working with transplant patients to determine their information needs during the transplant process. I have been working with both patient and clinicians at the Oxford Transplant Centre to find out what they would specifically want from an AI-based tool to help provide further information about the transplant process. This separate research was presented as a poster at the conference.
In addition to presenting my own research, I was able to see several presentations from researchers throughout Europe. By attending these presentations, not only did I learn about techniques in transplantation which may be beneficial in my clinical practice, but it also helped me further enhance my own research by providing me with different ideas on how to conduct my patient, qualitative research as well as mathematical methodology that is being used by the NHS Blood and Transplant team to assess the utility of organ transplantation. This particular area of research is directly translatable to the Artificial Intelligence models trialled by our research team. Ultimately, the conference was an incredibly useful educational experience that both allowed me to share my own research with the transplant community as well as gain invaluable insights into cutting edge research in the field. I am extremely grateful to the Oxford Transplant Foundation for their support that allowed me to attend.
2022
Mohamed Aly Mohamed Elshafei Elzawahry - British Transplantation Society
This was the annual congress for the British Transplant Society of the year 2022. This was a particularly special event as it celebrated the society’s 50th anniversary and it was the first in person meeting of the society since COVID lockdowns had begun.
I was in attendance as I was shortlisted for a scientific competition which intends to foster new research ideas and develop clinical trials. I presented my proposal for a clinical trial of novel machine perfusion technology in preservation of pancreas organs prior to transplantation. We are currently seeking funding for this specific trial and the feedback from the audience and the judges was critical in such a process.
If successful, this research has the potential to reduce preservation injury, increasing the number of pancreases safely and successfully used for transplant. Presenting at such a national platform was a well-timed valuable opportunity to publicise our work in the transplant community and gain invaluable feedback.
Lisa Vokes - 12th International Paediatric Intestinal Failure and Rehabilitation Symposium, Toronto, Canada
Networking with the international faculty; harnessing support for the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) AHP team, linking with research dieticians and AHPs, sharing practice with other specialist dieticians (we have only three other such dieticians in the UK).
Expanding knowledge towards paediatric experience, relevant from the point of view of transition patients whom we see in Oxford.
Specifically learning re sarcopenia and feed shortage experience of the healthcare professional over recent years.
Increasing knowledge of challenges faced in healthcare in other countries and also increasing knowledge of products available in different countries.
Increasing the profile of the OUH team by being present.
2018
Hannah Kenworthy BSHI Conference 2018 (5-6 September 2018)
My attendance at the BSHI conference 2018 has greatly enhanced my experience as a trainee of the British Society of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics diploma by allowing me to attend talks on the latest research in the field, including talks on the impact of the introduction of the 'soft opt-out' organ donation system in Wales and controversies with Organ donation attitudes. I was also able to meet company representatives supplying the laboratory with consumables and the latest technologies and meet the BSHI training representative to discuss training progress and updates. The poster research session gave me a good opportunity to talk to current trainees and qualified Clinical Scientists about the projects they carried out as part of their diploma, giving me insight into the process and scope for a project that I will have to carry out in the future as part of my diploma.
Mohammed Ali Rafique BSHI Conference 2018 (5-6 September 2018)
I have been working as a Biomedical Scientist in H&I since April 2009, and registered as a BSHI trainee in September 2016. I have never attended a BSHI AGM before, despite haveing a poster displayed at the 2016 conference in Oxford. I have once again been successful in writing an abstract for this conference, which has been accepted as a poster; this year I was able to attend and defend my poster. A variety of speakers on many topics gave a broad understanding of the areas in which research is being carried out, and the Terasaki and Festenstein speakers were extremely interesting.
2019
Alice Hayward BTS Annual Congress 2019 (6-8 March 2019)
The congress included 3 full days of inspirational talks. These were all extremely educational and I feel that I learnt a great deal, which will help towards my career progression. I learnt about current research and new technologies to improve organ donation and transplantation. In particular, the predictions of how the new opt-out system will effect organ donation in the UK. This will be extremely helpful moving forward for how this may affect mine and my team's workload and how to cope with this potential, additional pressure. I also had the chance to meet scientists from other H&I labs and found it particularly interesting to discuss the different techniques their labs use, information which I can relay back to my colleagues at the Oxford lab.
BTS Annual Congress 2019 (6-8 March 2019)
The British Transplant Society annual conference showcases the latest clinical and translational research in UK organ donation and transplantation. It was beneficial to see presentations on the latest advancements in transplant research and biobanks, and provides a platform to present your own work. I was chosen to present a moderated poster for my work on deceased donor exosome proteomics and subsequently won a poster prize.
Honglei Huang BTS Annual Congress 2019 (6-8 March 2019)
I present my work "Remote ischemic conditioning dampens acute inflammation in kidney transplantation", it contribute to the understanding of molecular mechanism of remote ischaemic conditioning. The project I proposed "Identification of Exosome Proteins Associated with Transplant Outcome from Donor Serum" was presented as poster by my research assistant Adam Thorne and was awarded as one of the 10 best poster in the meeting.