Journeys in research: Trainee experiences supporting knowledge exchange, part 2 Sonia Mirza

The Monthly Science Seminar series described in the blog below is an example of one of the knowledge mobilization activities organized to support effective knowledge sharing, connection, and collaboration among members of Canadian Blood Services’ innovation and portfolio management (I&PM) internal research network. Each year, trainees in Canadian Blood Services’ research network are invited to volunteer as MSS Series Organizing Committee members.

By emphasizing the importance of effective science communication and knowledge translation, this opportunity to engage in session planning is designed to help foster trainees’ professional development and collaboration skills. As a further value-add, trainee members from the 2025-2026 season were invited to contribute blog posts reflecting on their experiences to date.

My connection to transfusion and blood research 

My name is Sonia Mirza. I am a Master of Health Sciences candidate and a member of Dr. Syed Qadri’s lab at Ontario Tech University. My current research stems (pun intended) from an anemia study we did in 2023 comparing bovine and human red blood cells, which piqued my interest in hematology. I am now studying anemia in humans, specifically as a modifiable risk factor for dementia.

I believe blood is your body’s passport: it can tell you where your health has been and where it is headed. For this reason, I enjoy learning about the work being done in hematology, especially that which connects it with other aspects of the body and health.

I came to learn about this trainee engagement opportunity with Canadian Blood Services earlier this year through my lab mates. As I learned more about the goals of the committee and their capacity, I became increasingly interested in being a part of this opportunity to showcase blood research and its boundless scope.

Key takeaways from my participation in knowledge exchange activities with Canadian Blood Services

The information shared by the Monthly Science Seminar (MSS) series’ speakers is fascinating, sparking engaging discussions with the audience. I enjoy these conversations and think there is a lot to learn from them as various perspectives are involved. For instance, in a talk by Canadian Blood Services research engineer Dr. John Blake and medical officer Dr. Akash Gupta, we talked about the importance of considering and engaging people of all ethnicities, after they presented an overview of their work on diversifying the platelet donor base to ensure best matches for recipients (DOI: 10.1111/trf.18446). This is something I thought was overlooked or perhaps not a significant distinction to warrant a change in practice. Learning about the reality then facilitated discussion on adapting approaches to ensure equitable involvement.

As someone whose work has centered around mechanistic and epidemiological variations across sex and ethnicity, I am always intrigued by the ways these factors are considered in different projects. I am pleased to see that there is increasing attention on these differences, especially as they relate directly to how we manage the health of different groups.

The value gained from participation: Lessons learned along the way

These first few months with the MSS team have been very insightful and enjoyable. We have worked together on surveys, discussion questions, and ways to facilitate scientific talks effectively. In my current work, knowledge translation and public-facing conversations are key objectives, which means there is a lot to learn from the inner workings of the MSS organizing committee.

“One thing I have realized from the seminars is the breadth of research that exists just within the field of blood and transfusion science. I appreciate that the presentation topics range from analytical wet-lab work to public health and social barriers. It only goes to show the importance of all these systems in creating cohesive and effective programs that benefit as many people as possible.”

It has been wonderful to learn from Alex Williams and Abby Wolfe, the knowledge mobilization team members who support the MSS series delivery, about organizing presentations and creating space for meaningful deliberation. I have been able to explore new survey platforms and how to optimize the questions we ask to be most approachable and productive. The team is highly receptive to new ideas, increasing our engagement and confidence as trainees. This initiative aims to build bridges between scientists, within and across disciplines, to strengthen approaches and move forward with intention. It is encouraging to see the willingness of people to engage with work they may not be familiar with, as there are always new perspectives to be shared.

“I believe it is a great loss when research is overlooked simply because it was not understood or shared, and this is why I am a strong proponent of knowledge translation. I encourage fellow young researchers to gain experience in knowledge translation and mobilization, such as from trainee opportunities like these.”

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond

Going forward, I am excited about some of the topics we have planned. I am especially looking forward to the talk I have the opportunity to facilitate one of the planned sessions featuring social science research by Dr. Kelly Holloway and her team (DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0005163). This is a valuable experience that will allow me to actively participate in these discussions, practice confidence in relaying technical content, and the ability to connect with researchers in different fields. I am also looking forward to establishing deeper relationships with fellow trainees and mentors, as well as new ones with researchers and staff. Experiences and opportunities like these maintain motivation and engagement with the role, which is something I appreciate as a trainee.

I have always been taught to use your position to help others, as you were given this privilege for a reason. This experience with Canadian Blood Services is a testament to improving lives through continuous learning and action, and I am honored to be a part.

Canadian Blood Services – Driving world-class innovation 

Through discovery, development and applied research, Canadian Blood Services drives world-class innovation in blood transfusion, cellular therapy and transplantation—bringing clarity and insight to an increasingly complex healthcare future. Our dedicated research team and extended network of partners engage in exploratory and applied research to create new knowledge, inform and enhance best practices, contribute to the development of new services and technologies, and build capacity through training and collaboration. Find out more about our research impact.  

The opinions reflected in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Canadian Blood Services nor do they reflect the views of Health Canada or any other funding agency.