The award recalls the figure of Dr. James Blundell, a British obstetrician who first succeeded in human-to-human blood transfusion and, therefore, is regarded as the Grandfather of transfusion medicine. The BBTS introduced this award in 1984 to honor individuals for original research, resulting in an essential and significant contribution to the body of medical and scientific knowledge in the blood transfusion field.

Dr. Yamamoto is an expert in the study of the blood group ABO system, A and B genes, A and B glycosyltransferases, and A and B glycan antigens, and this honor appreciates his contribution to the molecular genetic elucidation over the past 30 years. Also, Dr. Yamamoto was the recipient of the highly prestigious Landsteiner-Alter Award by the Association for the Advancement of Blood and Blood Therapies (AABB) in 2019, being one of the few researchers in the world honored with both.

Currently, Yamamoto’s group is still producing high-impact research and has recently discovered the mechanism explaining the appearance of the genetically incompatible Forssman glycan antigen in many cancer types, a publication that may open the door to a new wave of broad anticancer therapies.

Dr. Yamamoto declares that “it is a great honor to be the recipient of the James Blundell Award and, together with the Landsteiner-Alter, being linked to the two greatest pioneers in blood transfusion”.

Previously, 37 individuals have received this award, including Drs. Luc Montagnier and Harvey J. Alter, who identified the HIV and hepatitis C viruses, respectively. The award will be presented today at the BBTS Annual Meeting in Harrogate, UK. In addition, Dr. Yamamoto will give an award lecture there showcasing his past and present research.