In Memoriam Anneke Brand
Picture: Ineke Oostveen
On Sunday, November 21, 2021, Anneke Brand, MD, PhD, emeritus professor at Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), passed away suddenly. The European Hematology Association community is deeply saddened by Anneke’s passing.
Anneke was a well-known pioneer in research in the immunological effects of blood transfusion, and was the founder of many innovations in this field. Anneke held several important leadership positions in international transfusion societies. In 1994, she co-founded the cord blood bank in Leiden and, in 2000, was the first professor of Transfusion Medicine in Leiden. Serving on a variety of academic committtees, she assisted numerous students in their pursuit of a PhD. Prodigious, Anneke co-authored more than 350 papers. She received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the field, including the ISBT Presidential Award in 2020, and the British Blood Transfusion Society’s Blundell Award in 2009.
Anneke served the European Hematology Association for many years. She was a Board member between 2011-2015 and a member of the Scientific Program Committee (SPC) for three consecutive Annual Congresses (2013-2015). Anneke was, until recently, actively involved in EHA’s Scientific Working Group of Transfusion and was the co-subject editor of the Transfusion Medicine section of EHA’s Research Roadmap development. She was instrumental in advising and advocating for matters regarding blood, cell, and tissue legislation. In addition, she offered her guidance and expertise in creating a more resilient Europe in times of crisis, particularly for blood and blood products. Her direct approach, critical thinking, strategic oversight, and sense of humor will be sorely missed.
In addition to being an outstanding hematological expert and researcher, Anneke was, above all, a warm personality with the rare gift of humanity in the face of realism. Our deepest sympathies to her loved ones and friends. As our organization and colleagues reflect on fond memories, Anneke's passing represents a great loss to our community.
Back