I TRY IT Programme
Introduction
The I TRY IT 2027 programme is an initiative of the ISBT Academy and is led by members of the Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Disease (TTID), Clinical Transfusion (CT) and Immunohaematology (IH) Working Parties.
Objectives
There are 4 main objectives for the I TRY IT programme:
- To complete a research protocol for a study designed to be conducted in your country or where your work.
- To learn the components of research protocols/propos- als and specific study designs used in transfusion medicine.
- To learn how to provide and to receive constructive criticism of scientific research.
- To help you plan for and conduct the research project you designed as part of the programme, and approaches for analyzing the data to answer your research question.
The most challenging part is conducting the study and analyzing the data. However, these are easier if you begin with a solid foundation - the research protocol is that foundation.
There are many ‘bright ideas’ or research discoveries in the field of transfusion medicine that are waiting for young investigators.
To get more details about this year's I TRY IT programme, visit the brochure below.
About the programme
The I TRY IT Programme will run from January to July. It is a two-part programme:
- Part 1 Training in Study Design and Protocol Development
- Part 2 Training in Analysing Data and Manuscript Preparation
Protocol Development
Learn how to develop a research question and create a research protocol.
Manuscript Preparation
Learn how to analyse your data and prepare your research for publication.
The two parts of the programme are offered in different years. In 2027, the programme will focus on Study Design and Protocol Development, which teach participants how to write research protocols while developing a research project that aims to answer a specific research question.
Methods
Online live lectures:
Participants and instructors are located all over the world. The preferred approach is for you to participate during the live lectures online. Alternately, each lecture will become available to be downloaded via the I TRY IT group are of the ISBT website so that you can access the content at times that works best for you or if your internet connection speed requires you to download the material.
Attending the live lectures is the most certain way for you to learn the content and be able to ask questions to improve your depth of knowledge. We will be using Zoom™ for course lectures.
To participate, you will be invited to each online lecture and then will have to join the lecture via the URL provided in each invitation. Lecture recordings will be posted on ISBT Education. Each of you will have a specific login and password to access the content.
Homework is assigned that is focused on writing the sections of a research protocol. As part of the programme you will write a real research protocol that can be implemented in your setting. You will also be involved in reviewing project proposals by others to experience peer-review as both a reviewer and reviewee.
In addition, you are expected to attend the Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Disease (TTID) or Clinical Transfusion (CP) Working Party as part of your training experience.
Research Grant
To facilitate conducting research, the Study Design and Protocol Development programme concludes with the opportunity for you to apply for a small research grant to conduct your study.
These research grants are competitive and awarded to the best protocols as judged by expert reviewers from the ISBT Working Parties.
Expenses Covered
One of the lectures will be given face-to-face at the International Congress of the ISBT in Rotterdam, The Netherlands (19–23 June, 2027)
Registration for this ISBT Congress is provided for the participants. Travel and accommodation expenses to attend this ISBT Congress will also be covered.
ISBT Central Office will collaborate with you to arrange international travel. You are responsible for obtaining any necessary travel documents such as passports or visas. ISBT will support you by providing letters of invitation, but you will need to apply and pay the relevant fees yourself.
You must be a member of ISBT at the time of application. ISBT membership fees are not covered by the I TRY IT programme.
Click this button for more information on ISBT membership.
Meet the I TRY IT Mentors
Brian Custer
Leo van de Watering
Leo is a member of the Clinical Transfusion Working Party and he is one of the lecturers of ISBT's I TRY IT programme mentoring young researchers.
Read more about the I TRY IT programme and the Clinial Transfusion Working Party.
Lilian Castilho
Former ISBT Regional Director Southern Americas (2018-2022)
Lilian Castilho obtained her Master and PhD degrees at Federal University of São Paulo in Brazil and performed post-doctoral studies in molecular immunohematology at the New York Blood Center, USA. She has worked in laboratories in Brazil and served as consultant for the American Red Cross in Philadelphia, USA. Lilian has experience in the area of immunology, with emphasis on immunohematology and genetics of blood groups. Currently she is a Professor at University of Campinas in Brazil, where she teaches and has an active research laboratory that supports both projects being carried out by graduate and post graduate students and collaborative research projects. She has served on numerous committees and has been the vice-chair of the ISBT working party on Red Cell Immunogenetics and Blood Group terminology.
Marion Vermeulen
ISBT Regional Director Africa (2024-2028)
Marion Vermeulen is the Executive: Transfusion Medicine and Technical Services at the South African National Blood service (SANBS). She has worked for most of her 35 years in Transfusion Transmissible Infections. Her current role consists of the development of the SANBS strategy with direct responsibility for the donation screening, processing, crossmatching, issuing, transportation and logistics of 1 million donations per annum. She obtained her PhD from Stellenbosch University in advancements of transfusion safety with regards to Transfusion Transmissible Infections (TTI). She is an active member of the international society for blood transfusion (ISBT) TTID working party and is the chairperson of the I TRY IT program that provides mentorship to young early career researchers through the ISBT.
Have a question for Marion? Fill in the form below and we will direct your query.
