For more than 40 years, Michael P. Busch, M.D., Ph.D., has been a driving force in making blood transfusions safer and more effective through his groundbreaking work protecting the world’s blood supply at the Vitalant Research Institute. His pioneering research on HIV, hepatitis, West Nile virus, Zika and other infectious diseases has transformed transfusion medicine and saved countless lives.

Today, he is recognized as one of the world’s leading experts in blood safety and infectious disease research. Dr. Busch has published more than 750 peer-reviewed publications and has been recognized with dozens of global awards and distinctions.

We’re extremely fortunate that Dr. Busch has dedicated his career to Vitalant. As he approaches his 40th anniversary in July 2026, we’re proud to launch a $1 million philanthropic campaign to honor his remarkable contributions: the Dr. Michael P. Busch First Response Fund.

About the Fund

The Dr. Michael P. Busch First Response Fund will support the Vitalant Research Institute’s most promising and time-sensitive projects. Inspired by Dr. Busch’s vision and aligned with the Institute’s mission, the fund will:

Advance innovative research.
Accelerate scientific collaboration.
Invest in and mentor the next generation of transfusion science leaders.

In an era of uncertainty around government funding and shifting research priorities, the First Response Fund ensures Vitalant Research Institute can act swiftly to assess and address new or evolving threats to the safety and sufficiency of the blood supply.

The fund will provide annual support for rapid-response pilot projects, advancing scientific priorities, supporting trainees and collaborators, and laying the groundwork for larger studies funded by national and international partners.

Continuing His Life’s Work

Dr. Busch’s work has redefined what’s possible in blood safety, pathogen detection and transfusion effectiveness. His research has shaped global public health policy, improved donor screening protocols and laid the foundation for precision transfusion medicine.

With more than 75 major federally and foundation-funded studies, he has advanced the global standards in blood safety and effectiveness for transfusion medicine. Dr. Busch’s impact is both deep and wide-reaching.

There’s no better way to honor his legacy than by continuing the work he started. Join us in celebrating Dr. Busch’s lifesaving contributions by donating to the Dr. Michael P. Busch First Response Fund today.

CURRENT ROLES

Vice President, Research & Scientific Programs, Vitalant
Director Emeritus, Vitalant Research Institute
Professor of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco

SELECT HONORS & DISTINCTIONS

Landsteiner-Alter Award, American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) (2024)
Thomas F. Zuck Lifetime Achievement Award, America’s Blood Centers (2022)
Presidential Award, International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) (2018)
Over $200M in NIH, CDC, and Gates Foundation funding
Top 0.05% of global researchers, ScholarGPS ranking

SELECT LEADERSHIP & SERVICE

President, ISBT (2022–2024)
Chair, ISBT Working Party for Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Diseases
Founding leader of the Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study (REDS) programs
Chair, REDS-III and IV Working Groups (NIH/NHLBI)
Member, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) blood safety advisory panels
Co-investigator and principal investigator on dozens of large-scale, multicenter studies

Celebrating the Lifesaving Legacy of Dr. Michael Busch

About the Fund

Continuing His Life’s Work

Your donation will help safeguard the future of transfusion medicine and ensure lifesaving research continues to thrive.