HAI President hails success of Association

In his opening address to the Haematology Association of Ireland (HAI) Annual Meeting, HAI President Prof Paul Browne welcomed participants and attendees, and highlighted the importance of the gathering.

Held on 10–11 October, in the Radisson Hotel, Athlone, Co Westmeath, the meeting featured eminent speakers in the field of haematology from Ireland and abroad.

Opening the meeting, Prof Browne said it was his pleasure to welcome everyone to the midlands for what promised to be an engaging and informative event.

He noted that the 2025 gathering marked the 26th Annual Meeting of the HAI and reflected on the “wonderful” celebrations held last year in Belfast, which commemorated 25 years of the Association’s achievements.

“For the small number of us who were there at the beginning, it is hard to believe how much has occurred and developed in Ireland in haematology,” Prof Browne said.

He praised the “outstanding set of presentations, posters, and contributions” from members working in clinical haematology, laboratory science, nursing, and allied health professions.

“It’s a really unique meeting in Ireland,” he said. “This is very much an all-Ireland society. I think this has been one of the successes of our society over the last quarter of a century. And I know for the next quarter of a century, the Association will continue to thrive.”

Prof Browne stated that, as many haematologists practise in sub-disciplines, the conference provided a valuable opportunity to gather, reflect, and learn from some of haematology’s “international superstars”.

“We don’t often get the chance to sit down and see and hear contributions from across the full range of the specialty,” he added.

He thanked the event sponsors and encouraged attendees to engage with them, highlighting that the HAI’s partnership with industry remains collaborative and constructive.

He also announced that Novartis had agreed to continue its sponsorship of the Novartis Nursing Professional Development Award, valued at €3,000. This award provides funding for further education, research, or the acquisition of skills or techniques that benefit medical education.

During the Annual Meeting, Prof Browne commended the consistently high quality of submissions, noting their continued growth in number, and encouraged members to keep contributing.

He also expressed gratitude to outgoing committee members, particularly Dr Claire Andrews, HAI Secretary/Treasurer, and welcomed new members to the committee.