QUOD

In July 2025, QUOD took part in the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences (NDS) work experience programme, partnering with the Transplant Research Group (TRG). Students were invited to spend an afternoon at the NHSBT Blood Donor Centre at the John Radcliffe Hospital, where QUOD and TRG share office and laboratory space, to learn about the biobank and the research QUOD supports.

The afternoon began with presentations introducing transplantation research and how QUOD supports this by supplying bespoke sample sets to scientists. Students watched our video following the journey of a QUOD box — from donor consent and sample collection to processing and storage in the biobank, according to regulations set out in the Human Tissue Act 2004. In the laboratory, Dr Jenny Collins, QUOD Research and Technical Assistant, demonstrated how tissue samples were processed for long-term storage as formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks, and how sections of the tissue are cut using a microtome and slides are prepared to be used for histology.  

Dr Letizia Lo Faro, Senior Scientist and Laboratory Manager, then guided the students in examining stained kidney tissue under the microscope. The students also gained hands-on experience using a protein assay to measure protein concentrations in solutions, similar to that used routinely to determine protein amount in tissue samples. They were particularly enthusiastic when observing ex vivo perfusion studies as they witnessed a liver perfusion experiment which was underway during their visit.

Later, the group met with Dr Richard Dumbill, Academic Clinical Lecturer and Surgeon, and Dr Lennart Hutzen, Medical Researcher, who shared their career journeys and offered advice on pursuing medicine and research.

It was a pleasure to welcome such engaged students and to showcase QUOD and the work the biobank supports. We hope the experience inspired them to explore careers in science and medicine, and we wish them every success for the future.

In August, members of the QUOD team attended the World Transplant Congress in San Francisco, to promote the biobank and introduce researchers from around the world to QUOD. Our exhibition stand drew strong interest from clinicians and scientists, and Marta Oliveira did an excellent job of sharing information about the bioresource as well as building great engagement with fellow exhibitors.

Professors Rutger Ploeg and Timothy Pruett chaired a scientific session titled “How to Optimise a More Global Research Infrastructure Redefining the Clinical and Scientific Landscape in the Era of AI”. This session highlighted the pivotal role of collaborative bioresources and databanks in advancing transplantation science in the age of AI and precision medicine, and QUOD was in the spotlight once more.

The session featured three leading biobank initiatives: iGeneTrain (Brendan Keating, USA), TransplantLines (Antonio Gomes, NL), as well as QUOD (Maria Kaisar, UK), each offering unique insights into the value of biobanking in enabling cutting edge research and innovation. The session included a dynamic panel discussion that explored strategic directions for global research infrastructures. Discussions with the audience highlighted the value of large biobanks to accelerate scientific progress in an era of AI and how working together has the potential to accelerate innovations for the benefit of patients.

Insight Molecular Diagnostics (iMDx) generously supported a networking reception following the research infrastructure session so that discussions could continue in a more informal setting. The event was extremely well attended by industry, representatives from a number of Organ Procurement Organisations (OPOs), the BMI Organ Bank team, clinicians and scientists, and charities such as 34 Lives. A number of collaborations were forged during the evening and feedback from the event was very positive. A shared theme emerged: the challenges of accessing biobank samples and data, and limited research funding opportunities, are common across the UK, Europe and the US. There was a universal feeling that international working was lacking and would be an excellent way to deliver research that could change practice and ultimately improve outcomes for patients. 

This summer, the QUOD team was pleased to welcome Sam Richards as our new NHSBT/QUOD Statistician. Continuing our tradition of introducing new team members, we invited Sam to share a bit about himself so we could get to know him better.

What were you doing most recently before joining QUOD?

I have been working in the NHSBT Statistics Team for just over 2 years; the main areas I am involved with are kidney transplantation and organ donation. 

What interested you about working with QUOD?
As a statistician working in NHSBT, I am always motivated by opportunities to collect, analyse, and interpret data that make a real impact. I am also very passionate about organ donation and transplantation. Since QUOD facilitates research in this area to improve understanding and optimise transplant outcomes, I think it is a great opportunity to apply my statistical knowledge to support QUOD in providing high-quality data for world-class research.

What does your role involve?
My main duty is to provide research scientists the clinical data with the variables appropriate to their research questions (such as donor, retrieval, and recipient follow-up data) to accompany samples from QUOD. I do this by extracting the requested data from the NHSBT database.

Lightning round time:

If you were stuck on an island what three things would you bring?

1. A water purification device
2. A Swiss army knife
3. My copy of ‘How to Stay Alive’ by Bare Grylls

Where’s your favourite place?
Cinque Terre – great for walking, cliff jumping and Italian food!

Finally, what kinds of enquiries should people bring to you, and how best can they reach you?

Please feel free to get in touch with any queries regarding the data provided via my email: sam.richards@nhsbt.nhs.uk. If I do not have the answer, I will make sure to refer your query to one of the team members from QUOD or even NHSBT!

I had a fantastic time presenting our work on assessing donor kidney quality using magnetic resonance imaging at the European Society for Organ Transplantation (ESOT) Congress 2025 in London. I was honoured to be selected as a finalist in the Transplant International Best Poster Competition, which was hosted live in the ESOT Studio, a setting more reminiscent of a TV talk show than a traditional academic conference! Each finalist had just eight minutes to present, followed by a tough Q&A session from a panel of judges, and then, rather dramatically, each judge was interviewed live by a journalist about our work.

Although I didn’t take home the top prize, the response was incredibly encouraging. One judge described our research as “a potential game changer”, and I had some fascinating conversations with delegates afterwards who were clearly excited about the clinical potential.

The rest of the conference was equally stimulating. It was a refreshing shift from my usual MRI-focused meetings to something much more clinically oriented, offering a broader view of the transplant research landscape. It was also a pleasure to finally meet some of the QUOD team in person!

Blog by Alex Daniel

On Friday 3 October, colleagues, collaborators, and friends gathered to honour Professor Rutger Ploeg, founder of the QUOD Biobank, with a Festschrift (literally meaning “celebration writing”), a traditional academic celebration of a scholar’s life and work.

The event featured inspiring talks from esteemed speakers, including Prof Freddie Hamdy, Prof Peter Friend, Prof Maria Kaisar, Dr Cat Boffa, Dr Isabel Quiroga, Prof James Neuberger, Prof Derek Manas, Prof Henri Leuvenink, and Prof Michael Nicholson, who reflected on Prof Ploeg’s exceptional contributions to transplant research, clinical practice, and education.

Prof Ploeg delivered a heartfelt address, tracing his scientific and clinical journey and expressing gratitude to the colleagues and friends who shaped his remarkable career.

The celebration concluded with a dinner and speeches in Exeter College’s magnificent dining hall. The presence of Prof Ploeg’s family lent a particularly warm and personal touch to this memorable celebration.

Sincere thanks go to the Organising Committee — Prof James Hunter, Prof Maria Kaisar, Susan Patchett, and Philippa Wren — for curating such a fitting and joyful tribute.

Karen Rockell, Patient Co-Director of the UK Organ Donation and Transplantation Research Network (UKODTRN), member of the QUOD Steering Committee, and liver recipient took part in multiple swimming events at both the British Transplant Games in Oxford, UK and the World Transplant Games in Dresden, Germany this summer. She sent us her report of the games.  

“The British Transplant Games is a wonderful inclusive event where you meet others who know what it means to have a transplant. The comradery, support, and joy of the event is hard to describe, but being with people who truly understand your organ transplant journey with its ups and downs is hugely beneficial and can be very emotional too. It also gives participants the opportunity to meet donor family members who take such an active part in the running of the games and present the winners with their medals.  Hearing their stories is humbling and we can express our gratitude to them even if we do not know our own donor family.

The event gives us an opportunity to promote organ donation by sharing our success stories but also highlighting the statistics on growing waiting lists and information about those who sadly do not survive the wait to receive their gift. Once you have attended a British Transplant Games you are hooked and look forward to the annual event, catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.

In is an honour to be selected to represent our country at the World Transplant Games. It is another opportunity to create awareness about organ donation locally and nationally as well as to meet others from across the world who have travelled a similar journey of transplantation. These games bring together athletes from across the world who demonstrate what thriving after transplant looks like. The sporting achievements are increasing year on year as transplant athletes show their prowess in their chosen sport. Many compete beyond the transplant games so the standards are rising exponentially – many world transplant records were broken in 2025 in Dresden!

I won four gold medals in the British Transplant Games and five in the Worlds Transplant Games.”

Huge congratulations to Karen on her incredible achievements and success in the swimming events at the British and World Transplant Games and thank you for sharing your story.

Team GB at Dresden

The British Transplant Swimming Team at Dresden

Oxford hosted the 2025 British Transplant Games from 31 July to 3 August, with events held across the historic city, including the track where Sir Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile. The Opening Ceremony took place at Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough. It commenced with a spectacular parade from the Triumphal Arch, with the competitors lined up, holding banners displaying their affiliations and proudly wearing their team t-shirts. The parade kicked off as the Wantage brass band started up, with teams from across the UK and Ireland, adults and children alike, marching proudly in time to the music past cheering supporters as they made their way to the palace.

As they entered the Grand Court, the teams were announced by Oxford’s Susie Dent, lexicographer and etymologist. A total of 1,045 athletes, including the youngest at just two years old, filled the courtyard. A huge cheer went up for the Donor Family Network, who were the final team to enter and very much at the heart of the Games. There was a sense of respectful recognition for lost loved ones and sincere gratitude for the generous gifts received by the participants. When all were amassed, true to form, Susie shared two words of the day: “confelicity”, to take joy in the happiness of others, and “respair”, to have fresh hope and recovery following a period of despair; her carefully selected words aptly captured the sentiment of the Games.

Dr Paul Harden, Chair of the British Transplant Games and Transplant Active and Consultant Nephrologist at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, officially opened the Games, welcoming everyone and thanking all involved. He highlighted the generous gift of life given by the donors and their families and the Games’ role in promoting and celebrating active lives post-transplantation. He proudly noted that this year’s event was the largest since 1978 when the games began, with the host city, Oxford, fielding its biggest team to date.

Musician Adam Issacs, a transplant recipient and former The Voice UK contestant, then took to the stage. He shared his story and performed some of his own songs, launching the evening’s music and dancing that closed the ceremony on a high note.

On Saturday 2 August, Blenheim hosted the annual Donor Run, raising awareness of the NHS Organ Donor Register, the benefits of organ transplantation, and the Anthony Nolan Register, while honouring donors and their families. More than 2,000 runners took part in a huge range of outfits, from tutus and wigs to t-shirts bearing heartfelt tributes to cherished loved ones. QUOD’s Jenny Collins and her nine-year-old son participated, both wearing QUOD t-shirts (pictured). They were cheered on by fellow runners during the race, especially her son, who got a lot of encouragement and high fives. The runners received medals at the finish line, which was awash with colour and joyful cheers of support. The 2025 Donor Run, with its huge turnout and magnificent venue, was a huge success and it was a privilege to be part of such an uplifting tribute to organ donors and their families.

QUOD is excited to be attending the World Transplant Congress in San Francisco this August!

We’re proud to have had the opportunity to curate a dynamic scientific session spotlighting the transformative power of bioresource and databank collaborations in shaping the future of transplantation.

Session title: “How to Optimise a More Global Research Infrastructure — Redefining the Clinical and Scientific Landscape in the Era of AI”

Time and date: Sunday 3 August at 14:15.

This session brings to the forefront the pivotal role of global research infrastructures and features insights from three leading biobanks:

• Brendan Keating (USA) – iGeneTrain
• Maria Kaisar (UK) – QUOD
• Antonio Gomes (NL) – TransplantLines

Following the talks, a panel discussion with additional experts will explore how strategic development of these infrastructures can accelerate innovation and precision medicine in transplantation.

Full details of the session can be found here.

If you’re attending WTC, we warmly invite you to join us for this compelling session — and don’t forget to stop by the QUOD booth in Exhibition Hall B; Aisle 1100; Exhibit Booth 1128.

In February, QUOD launched the first QUOD Innovation Competition in partnership with the charity Live Life Give Life, Alexion, and the European Society of Transplantation (ESOT).

The final of the QUOD Innovation Competition 2025 took place during the Young Academics Masterclass at the ESOT Congress in London on 28 June.
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We received a strong pool of high-quality applications, which were evaluated based on criteria including originality of the project, patient impact, and clinical translation.

Six shortlisted researchers competed for two awards of up to £5000-worth of QUOD samples for their research projects.

The finalists were…

• Peishan Wang
  Spatial-integrated temporal graph neural network model for early liver micro-injury and immunoabnormalities prediction in DCD liver donation
  
• Maithili Mehta
  Decoding the Impact of cytosorb therapy during kidney normothermic machine perfusion using single-cell transcriptomics
  
• Euan Bright
  The role of kynurenine 3-monooxygenase in preventing ischaemic cholangiopathy following liver transplantation
  
• Sarah Fawaz
  Not all diabetic donors are the same: identifying differential risk profiles for transplant outcomes
  
• Mayara Ramos
  Evaluation of the donor’s hormonal profile according to sex and age
  
• David Baird
  Biomarkers of cell senescence and patient outcomes in kidney transplantation

The judging panel, comprising Prof Rutger Ploeg (QUOD Biobank), Karen Rockell (UKODTRN and QUOD Biobank), Dr Liset Pengel (Erasmus MC Transplant Institute), and Dr Luke Yates (Live Life Give Life), were blown away by the high standards of the research proposed.

After much deliberation, the winners were announced.

Huge congratulations to our two winners, David Baird and Euan Bright! We cannot wait to get started supporting your research and we patiently await the results.

A huge thank you to everyone who applied. We are extremely grateful to Live Life Give Life and Alexion for sponsoring the Innovation Competition, and to ESOT for hosting the final.

ESOT Congress 2025 is just around the corner, running from 29 June to 2 July.

Pre-congress activities kick off on 28 June and the highlight for the QUOD team is the QUOD Innovation Competition final. Six shortlisted finalists will take the spotlight during the Young Academics Masterclass, where they’ll pitch their research proposals in a bid to win one of two awards of QUOD samples, generously sponsored by Live Life Give Life and Alexion.

A number of presentations from researchers using QUOD samples also feature at the congress (see below). We’ll be sharing details of the scientific sessions on our social media channels during the congress, so do keep a look out if you are attending.

Oral presentations

Rebecca Vaughan
Title: Prolonged fWIT is associated with metabolic dysregulation in DCD kidneys
Date: Monday 30 June 2025
Time: 17:24–17:30
Session: Next-Generation Kidney Preservation | Donation, Preservation & Regeneration
Room: S5

Ioannis Michelakis
Title: Plasma uromodulin dynamics in deceased kidney donors and the association with transplant outcomes
Date: Monday 30 June 2025
Time: 17:18–17:24
Session: Next-Generation Kidney Preservation | Donation, Preservation & Regeneration
Room: S5

Azita Mellati
Title: Necroptosis in kidney ischaemia reperfusion injury and the effects of a RIPK1 inhibitor in a preclinical model  
Date: Tuesday 1 July 2025
Time: 17:06–17:12
Session: Unlocking Transplant Success: Biology, Engineering & Innovation | Donation, Preservation & Regeneration
Room: S3

Posters

Alexander Daniel
Development of a magnetic resonance imaging protocol for ex-vivo assessment of deceased donor human kidneys

Letizia Lo Faro
Plasma proteome during Normothermic Regional Perfusion show reduced complement and high detoxification level

And finally, we look forward to meeting with you at the congress, whether it be to talk about how QUOD can support your research, to reconnect, or just drop by and say hello. Visit us at the QUOD booth at stand F10, North Halls (Entrance N9 within the Society Village) and pick up a QUOD pen.

We would love to see you!

Full ESOT Congress programme