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Honoring a Pioneer in Transfusion Science: Dr. Michael Busch

For over four decades, Dr. Michael Busch has been at the forefront of transfusion medicine, driving innovation in blood safety and infectious disease research at Vitalant Research Institute. His work has fundamentally reshaped how we detect, monitor, and respond to emerging pathogens in the blood supply — HIV, hepatitis, West Nile virus, Zika and beyond.

With more than 750 peer-reviewed publications and numerous global honors, Dr. Busch is widely recognized as a leading authority in our field. His contributions have not only advanced science, but they’ve also saved lives.

As Dr. Busch approaches his 40th year with Vitalant in July 2026, we’re proud to launch the Dr. Michael P. Busch First Response Fund, a $1 million philanthropic initiative designed to extend his legacy and accelerate the work he’s inspired.
 

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About the Fund

The First Response Fund will empower Vitalant Research Institute to rapidly pursue high-impact, time-sensitive research aligned with Dr. Busch’s vision. It will:

  • Catalyze innovative pilot studies.
  • Strengthen scientific collaboration.
  • Support and mentor emerging leaders in transfusion science.

This fund ensures we can respond quickly to new threats to blood safety and availability without waiting for traditional funding cycles.

Annual support from the fund will enable rapid-response projects, seed larger studies and sustain the next generation of researchers and collaborators.

Continuing the Work That Changed the Field

Dr. Busch’s research has shaped global policy, refined donor screening and laid the foundation for precision transfusion medicine. With more than 75 major funded studies, his impact is both foundational and far-reaching.

The best way to honor his legacy is to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Join us in celebrating Dr. Busch’s extraordinary career by contributing to the Dr. Michael P. Busch First Response Fund.

Your support will help ensure that lifesaving research continues to thrive, and that the future of transfusion medicine remains as bold and responsive as its past.

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CURRENT ROLES

  • Vice President, Research & Scientific Programs, Vitalant
  • Director Emeritus, Vitalant Research Institute 
  • Professor of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco

SELECT HONORS & DISTINCTIONS

  • Landsteiner-Alter Award, AABB (2024)
  • Thomas F. Zuck Lifetime Achievement Award, America’s Blood Centers (2022)
  • Presidential Award, International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) (2018)
  • Over $200M in NIH, CDC, and Gates Foundation funding
  • Top 0.5% of global researchers, ScholarGPS ranking

SELECT LEADERSHIP & SERVICE

  • President, International Society of Blood Transfusion (2022–2024)
  • Chair, ISBT Working Party for Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Diseases
  • Chair, REDS-III and IV Working Groups (NIH/NHLBI)
  • Founding leader of the Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study (REDS) programs
  • Member, CDC and FDA blood safety advisory panels
  • Co-investigator and principal investigator on dozens of large-scale, multicenter studies
  • Mentor to dozens of trainees who are now leaders in transfusion and public health research