The Transplantation Society (TTS) Congress 2024, held from September 22-25, 2024, in Istanbul, Turkey, served as a platform for sharing cutting-edge scientific discoveries, clinical practices, and policy updates that shape the future of transplantation. The congress brought together experts, researchers, clinicians, and professionals from across the world to discuss the latest advancements, research, and innovations in organ transplantation.

The TTS featured a diverse array of sessions, workshops, and abstract presentations focused on critical areas such as organ procurement, living and deceased donation, immunology, ethics, organ preservation technology, and the use of innovative technologies like artificial intelligence and drones in the transplantation field. Special sessions, including those led by the Indian Society of Organ Transplantation (ISOT), addressed the unique challenges faced by developing nations in Asia, in expanding their living and deceased donor pools.

With a focus on both clinical and scientific advancements, TTS 2024 emphasized collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and global partnerships aimed at improving organ donation systems and patient outcomes worldwide. It also provided a space for healthcare professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and celebrate achievements in the transplantation community.

The plenary sessions served as key platform for presenting the latest advancements and future directions in transplantation science.    Dr Elmi Mueller, President of TTS 2024 offered an insightful perspective on the global transplantation landscape, focussing on overcoming disparities in organ access in developing nations. She emphasized the critical need for equitable healthcare solutions. One of the standout moments was the powerful talk 'Resilience and defying the odds in transplantation', by Adam Alderson, in which he shared his remarkable personal story as a multi-organ recipient, underscoring the emotional and physical challenges, and left a lasting impact on the audience. Other key plenary topics included groundbreaking advancements in xenotransplantation, improving access and outcomes in transplantation and a compelling talk featuring a journalist's perspective on the experience and harsh realities in organ trafficking.

As a renowned global forum, TTS 2024 continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of organ transplantation and saving lives through innovation and collaboration.

Several prestigious awards were presented during the TTS 2024, celebrating exceptional contributions to the field of transplantation.

Medawar Prize

The Medawar Prize, named after Society co-founder Sir Peter Medawar, is recognized as the world's highest dedicated award for the most outstanding contributions in the field of transplantation.

Outstanding Achievement in Transplantation Science

The event marked a proud moment for India's organ donation and transplantation program, as Dr Pranjal Modi was honoured with TTS Recognition Award for 'Outstanding Achievement in Transplantation Science (Clinical)', a well-deserved recognition for his exceptional contribution to the field.

The Women in Transplantation Awards was presented to Dr Curie Ahn from Korea, in recognition of her leadership and research in nephrology and transplantation. This award celebrates women who have significantly advanced the field of transplantation through research, policies, leadership, initiatives or other regarded contributions. The Unsung Hero(ine) Award was given to Dr Wenshi Jiang from China and Dr Katayoun Najafizadeh from Iran. These women were acknowledged for their community service, volunteering, mentorship or other community-based activity.

MOHAN Foundation’s participation at TTS Congress 2024

At the congress, Dr Sunil Shroff, Managing Trustee of MOHAN Foundation delivered a presentation on 'Empowering transplant professionals: An innovative online training initiative from a developing country', showcasing how capacity-building through digital platforms can address challenges in resource-limited settings. In addition, he was invited to chair the session titled, 'Workshop - 25 years of plantation of deceased donor transplant program - Gujarat model for developing nations', under ISOT's sessions on 'Expanding living and deceased donor pool in Asia', held on Sep 24, 2024.

Ms. Pallavi Kumar, Executive Director, MOHAN Foundation presented on 'Enhancing healthcare equity: Public-private partnerships for organ donation and transplantation in underserved areas of North-east India' as part of the abstract session on Ethics in organ donation, highlighting collaborative efforts to bridge healthcare gaps in India's remote regions.

Ms. Jaya Jairam, Project Director, MOHAN Foundation spoke on 'Revolutionising organ transport: The advent of drone technology for organs' during the abstract session on technology and performance, presenting how drones are transforming the logistics of organ transportation.