Presenting my work at the ASH Annual Meeting 2025 felt like stepping into a story that unfolded session by session, each bringing new questions and perspectives. Thanks to the HaemSTAR ISTH Legacy Fund, I had the opportunity to attend ASH 2025 in Orlando. It was a humbling experience, full of surprises, and one that balanced intense learning with moments of genuine excitement.

Each year, ASH brings together thousands of clinicians and researchers from around the world, and over four packed days I moved between sessions covering general haematology, haemostasis and thrombosis, haemoglobinopathies, malignant haematology and transplantation. The sheer breadth of topics was both challenging and energising.

Several sessions left a lasting impression. A lecture on therapy choices for patients with haemophilia in the era of gene therapy and emerging non-factor treatments prompted thoughtful discussion around uncertainty, and reinforced the enduring importance of shared decision-making. Another session presenting data on sovleplenib in primary ITP showed promising results while a talk on DOACs in cancer-associated VTE was a clear reminder of how rapidly clinical practice can evolve.

Outside the lecture halls, I especially enjoyed ASH-a-palooza, a trainee-focused event that struck a great balance between learning and networking. Presenting my own research on apheresis for gene therapy in transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (link) was a highlight of the meeting. I was delighted to receive an Abstract Achievement Award, which made the experience particularly meaningful. Engaging with questions from peers and experts was both challenging and rewarding and it helped me see my work from new angles.

Overall, ASH 2025 was an inspiring and motivating experience, offering not only knowledge and connections but also a glimpse into the future of haematology. I am deeply grateful to HaemSTAR and the ISTH Legacy Fund for making this opportunity possible.