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A Worldwide Legacy of Saving Lives

Decades of Dedication to Blood Safety

Vitalant Research Institute has been at the forefront of lifesaving blood safety research for more than 65 years.

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Our Research

Vitalant Research Institute is dedicated to advancing blood safety worldwide through scientific research, education and evidence-based policies. Our multidisciplinary teams lead pioneering studies in infectious disease, transfusion medicine, donor health and cellular therapies, supported by specialized research cores. Through global collaborations and cutting-edge science, we strive to improve patient outcomes and ensure a safe, effective blood supply for all. Explore our website to see how we’re shaping the future of transfusion and precision medicine. 

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Latest Findings

  • Dr. Busch
    Vitalant Foundation Launches Legacy Fund to Honor Dr. Michael P. Busch
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    Assessing RBC transfusion efficacy in chronic transfusion recipients: advancing precision transfusion medicine
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    The Red Blood Cell-Improving Transfusions for Chronically Transfused Recipients (RBC-IMPACT) study: protocol description of an international multi-site observational clinical study

Research Areas

The Institute’s research covers six areas of focus that are key to advancing blood safety and improving patient outcomes. From infectious disease and transfusion science to donor health and cellular therapies, our work drives innovation in transfusion medicine and public health.

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Infectious Diseases
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Blood Donors & Health
Transfusion Immunology Icon
Transfusion Immunology
Transfusion Outcomes
Cellular Therapies & Models Icon
Cellular Therapies & Models
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Blood Components

Core Areas

The Institute’s also has six cores that facilitate our cross-discipline collaborative research. Our cores are a unique and fundamental part of the Institute that help to drive the innovative research we do.

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Bioinformatics
Directed by Xutao Deng
Cell Therapy Icon
Cell Therapy
Directed by Marcus Muench
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Epidemiology
Directed by Hasan Sulaeman
Immunology Icon
Immunology
Directed by Clara DiGermanio
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Molecular Technology and Genomics
Directed by Pamela Milani
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Research Operations
Directed by Mars Stone

Translational & Clinical Services

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Vitalant Innovation Center
Cell Sourcing & Research Donations
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Blood Donation for Research
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Education and Training

Vitalant Research Institute is deeply committed to training the next generation of scientists in transfusion medicine, infectious disease, immunology and epidemiology. As one of the nation’s leading programs in transfusion-transmitted infectious diseases, we prepare scientists to lead in both research and public health. 

Early-career scientists work side-by-side with full-time investigators on impactful, often multicenter research projects. Trainees benefit from these close mentorships, hands-on research experience and access to world-class academic resources through our affiliation with UCSF.