The European Hematology Association (EHA)

The ASCERTAIN project is entering its final phase, with the final conference taking place on October 21, 2026 in Brussels. ASCERTAIN – Affordability and Sustainability improvements through new pricing, Cost- Effectiveness and ReimbursemenT models to Appraise INnovative health technologies – is an EU funded project focused on improving the affordability and accessibility of innovative health technologies by developing a policy support tool.

Kate Morgan is co-CEO of Myeloma Patients Europe and has previously chaired the Blood Cancers Alliance and led the policy team at Myeloma UK. With 15 years of advocacy experience, and a strong focus on health and access policies, Kate Morgan is a valuable member of EHA’s Patient Advocacy Committee and European Affairs Committee. In this interview, Kate reflects on the growing role of patient advocates and discusses how different EU legislation impacts patients.

EHA has now published the Board-approved Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Strategic Agenda, a roadmap to improve care for young people with hematologic diseases throughout Europe. Adolescents and young adults face unique biological, psychological, and social challenges that require a tailored approach. That is why EHA developed this strategy, which covers malignant and non-malignant conditions and outlines collaboration, education, research, and advocacy objectives.

EHA’s European Affairs team ensures that hematologists are visible and represented in all relevant policy and regulatory discussions—from influencing upcoming EU legislation to nominating experts for the European Medicines Agency. The European Affairs track bridges hematology clinical research and practice with the regulatory frameworks that underpin it, covering topics from clinical trials to diagnostics.

A new survey by EHA’s Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Taskforce provides a pan-European healthcare professional perspective on how AYA services are defined and delivered to young people with hematological conditions. The findings highlight a marked variation in access to age-appropriate care and point to practical levers for improvement. Background Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) sit at a pivotal stage of physical, emotional, and social development.

Professor Martin Kaiser is a Consultant Hematologist at The Royal Marsden and a Clinician Scientist at The Institute of Cancer Research in London. For the past six years, Martin has imparted his valuable expertise to EHA’s European Affairs Committee. As he prepares to rotate off, Martin looks back on his contributions and on what he found most rewarding. From a hematology perspective, what regulatory changes do you believe are still needed, and what areas do you think should be improved?

5 min read · May 13, 2026 May 13, 2026 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) As an active member of the European Hematology Association, you have a direct role in shaping the future of the Association. In 2026, members are invited to participate in important governance decisions that will influence how EHA develops in the years ahead. The AGM will take place on Thursday, 11 June, 2026 in Stockholm.

Natacha Bolaños is an experienced and passionate patient advocacy leader, currently serving as Head of Membership & Alliances at Lymphoma Coalition. She is deeply committed to building strong partnerships, and advancing collaborative approaches that amplify the patient voice across stakeholders. At EHA, Natacha contributes her valuable insights to the Patient Advocacy Committee and the European Affairs Committee. Why is patient representation on the European Affairs Committee so important?

Dr. Raffaella Colombatti is a pediatric hemato-oncologist at Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova. She is truly passionate about advancing equitable care for children, adolescents, and young adults with hematological disorders across Europe. Raffaella is heavily involved in the ERN-EuroBloodNet’s work on red blood cell disorders as well as EHA’s AYA Taskforce, where she is a valuable member. She joined the European Affairs Committee in 2023 and will step into the role of co‑chair this summer.

The European Hematology Association (EHA) proudly announces the recipients of its 2026 EHA Awards, celebrating the clinicians, researchers, mentors, and emerging leaders who continue to elevate hematology worldwide. The EHA Awards continue to reflect not only personal achievement but also EHA’s commitment to innovation, excellence, diversity, and the advancement of global hematology.