Dear colleagues, friends, and members,

It is with deep gratitude and pride that I stand before you today, one year after addressing you for the very first time as your elected President. At that time, I spoke about our shared journey, about leadership as a collective effort, and about the importance of securing member value while staying true to our mission. Today, I am pleased to reflect on how far we have come together.

Guided by the Strategic Plan 2024–2028, we have worked with determination to strengthen the recognition of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists globally. One very important initiative starting this past year has been the initiative of seeking the reclassification of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists to Professional Group 2: Health Professions under the ISCO-08 framework. The Board established a dedicated ISCO Task and Finish Group, which has already surveyed our member associations, engaged with the International Labour Organization, and provided critical data to support the reclassification. This recognition is not only symbolic—it is essential for ensuring that our profession is valued, resourced, and positioned as a cornerstone of healthcare worldwide. Achieving this change will be one of the most significant contributions IFBLS makes to future generations of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists.

Equally important has been our innovation in member engagement. For the first time, we held a virtual mid-term Chief Delegates meeting in February 2025. This initiative allowed us to share updates on key activities—including the ISCO work, WHO collaborations, and the theme of BLS Day—while also providing a platform for connection between in-person assemblies. The success of this mid-term meeting shows how digital solutions can enhance transparency, reduce costs, and bring our global community closer together.

Alongside these initiatives, we continued to strengthen our role as a trusted partner to the World Health Organization, agreeing on a three-year collaboration plan for 2025–2027. Our focus on sustainability in diagnostics, workforce development, and the safe use of AI in laboratory medicine ensures that Biomedical Laboratory Scientists remain central to global health solutions.

Education and professional development also remain core to our mission. The Britta Karlsson Educational Webinar Series has flourished, providing international learning opportunities, while the relaunch of the Scientific Network of Experts has created a renewed platform for collaboration.

This last year we also celebrated the achievements of our colleagues through prestigious awards, including the launch of the Fellowship Award, which honored leaders from Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and the United States. These recognitions reflect the depth of excellence in our profession.

On April 15th, we marked International Biomedical Laboratory Science Day under the theme “Biomedical Laboratory Scientists Promoting Sustainability in Clinical Diagnostics.” This celebration showcased the innovation of our members worldwide, who are advancing healthcare while also addressing environmental responsibility.

As we look forward, preparations are well underway for the 36th IFBLS World Congress in Chiba, Japan, 2026, under the theme “Bridge to the Future of BLS Around the World.” This will be a landmark event where our collective achievements meet our shared vision for the future.

None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our Board, committees, Chief Delegates, and especially our Executive Administrator, Ms. Janie Hames, whose expertise and commitment continue to anchor our Federation.

As I close, I return once more to the words from my PhD thesis: In life, it is not where you go, it’s who you travel with. This past year has shown me again the truth of those words. With your commitment, your expertise, and your passion, we are not only traveling together—we are building the future of Biomedical Laboratory Science.

Thank you,

Gabriella Lillsunde Larsson
President 2024-2026