September 27, 2026

Dear colleagues, friends, and members, 

It is with great humility, gratitude, and optimism that I welcome you as President of the International Federation of Biomedical Laboratory Science (IFBLS). As I begin this journey of service, I am deeply honored by the trust you have placed in me and mindful of the responsibility that comes with leading our global Federation. I am also grateful to the leaders who came before me, whose dedication, vision, and stewardship have strengthened IFBLS and positioned our organization for continued success.

We gather at a remarkable moment for our profession. Biomedical Laboratory Scientists have never been more essential to healthcare than they are today. Across the world, laboratory professionals generate the data that guides clinical decisions, supports disease prevention, enables precision medicine, and strengthens public health systems. The lessons of recent years have underscored a truth long understood within our profession: healthcare cannot function effectively without strong laboratory services and the dedicated professionals who provide them.

Yet, even as our importance continues to grow, significant challenges remain. Many nations are facing critical workforce shortages as experienced professionals retire faster than new practitioners enter the field. Laboratory systems continue to navigate increasing workloads, financial pressures, expanding diagnostic complexity, and rapidly evolving technologies. These challenges demand both leadership and action from our professional community.

At the same time, extraordinary opportunities lie ahead. Advances in artificial intelligence, automation, molecular diagnostics, genomics, and digital health are transforming healthcare worldwide. These innovations will not diminish the role of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists; rather, they will elevate it. As healthcare becomes increasingly data-driven, our profession will play an even greater role in ensuring quality, interpreting complex information, and translating laboratory data into meaningful clinical insights that improve patient outcomes.

As President, I believe our Federation has a unique opportunity to help shape the future of our profession. During my term, I will focus on three key priorities. First, we must strengthen the global laboratory workforce through education, mentorship, leadership development, and support for early-career professionals. Second, we must continue to elevate the visibility and recognition of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists worldwide. For too long, ours has been described as the hidden profession of healthcare. It is time for our contributions to be more fully recognized and understood. Third, we must embrace innovation while maintaining the highest standards of quality, ethics, and patient safety that define our profession.

IFBLS also has an important role to play in advancing global health equity. Access to reliable diagnostics remains unavailable to millions of people around the world. As a global Federation, we must continue to advocate for stronger laboratory systems, highly qualified workforces, and equitable access to quality diagnostic services. Through collaboration, partnership, and the sharing of expertise, we can help strengthen healthcare systems and improve health outcomes globally.

Looking ahead, I am particularly excited about the opportunities before us, including the 36th IFBLS World Congress in Chiba, Japan. This gathering will provide an invaluable opportunity for our global community to come together, exchange knowledge, celebrate achievements, and envision the future of Biomedical Laboratory Science. The Congress theme, “Bridge to the Future of BLS Around the World,” reflects the spirit of collaboration and innovation that will guide our work in the years ahead.

The strength of IFBLS has always been its people. Our Federation brings together dedicated professionals from diverse countries, cultures, and healthcare systems, united by a shared commitment to advancing science, improving healthcare, and serving patients. I am confident that by working together, we can meet the challenges before us and seize the opportunities that await.

The future of Biomedical Laboratory Science is bright. The future of IFBLS is bright. Together, we will continue to elevate our profession, strengthen our global impact, and advance the science that improves and saves lives every day.

Thank you for your trust, your dedication, and your commitment to our profession.

Hassan Aziz, PhD, FACSs, MLS(ASCP)^CM
President, International Federation of Biomedical Laboratory Science (IFBLS)