In 2024, the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) underwent a comprehensive strategic planning process that identified the need to strengthen and protect our association’s ability to engage in advocacy, policy, and industry promotion. Following legal counsel’s advice and in alignment with IRS compliance requirements, the Board of Governors prioritized the establishment of a separate 501(c)(6) organization.

The AATB biennial election for 2025-2027 Board of Governors Officers and At-Large Governors opens June 2! Learn more about the candidates running for Chairperson-Elect, Secretary-Treasurer, and At-Large Governors (2).

AATB Council Members are working together to support collaboration and ongoing efforts in the tissue banking industry. Their collective expertise and commitment are helping to advance AATB’s mission. Check out this quarter’s updates and discover ways to get involved in shaping the future of our field!

National Cancer Institute
NIH researchers have discovered that changes in breast stromal tissue—termed stromal disruption—are linked to higher risks of aggressive breast cancer and poorer survival outcomes.

Phys.org
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London have enhanced organ-on-a-chip technology to better mimic human tissue complexity, offering a viable alternative to animal testing.

Pan American Health Organization
PAHO and Spain’s Ministry of Health signed a Letter of Intent to strengthen organ, tissue, and cell donation and transplantation in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Frontiers in Medicine
Emerging treatments like gene therapy and stem cells offer prospects for better disease management and reduced inflammation.

EurekAlert!
Researchers at Yokohama National University developed a 3D printing method to fabricate multi-directionally oriented collagen tissues.

Join us October 12-15 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta in Atlanta, GA, for the 2025 AATB Annual Meeting. Registration opens in June.

Gain unmatched visibility and direct access to key decision-makers in tissue banking by becoming a sponsor or exhibitor at the 2025 AATB Annual Meeting. This is your chance to showcase your innovations, highlight your impact, and connect with the professionals shaping the future of the field. Explore our 2025 sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities and express your interest in participating today!

Explore the world of non-transplant anatomical donation in our June 4 webinar, “Non-Transplant Anatomical Donation (NTAD) – Common Recoveries and Considerations: The Importance of Research, Education, and Training Endeavors.” This session will cover the types of commonly recovered specimens, how placement decisions are made, and how these donations fuel research, education, and the development of medical advancements. You'll also gain insight into the importance of thoroughly vetting usage sites to ensure ethical application and safeguard public trust. This is a must-attend for anyone committed to honoring donor intent while advancing medical knowledge.
Target Audience: This webinar is for tissue banking professionals with an interest in the advancement of research in tissue donation.

Clear guidance is essential when navigating the evolving landscape of tissue donation, especially for LGBTQIA+ communities impacted by recent regulatory changes. On June 11, the joint AATB-AMAT webinar, Clarity Around Donation Regulation Changes for the LGBTQIA+ Community, will explore the FDA’s 2025 policy shift and what it means for queer individuals and their ability to donate. The session will address ongoing concerns, provide communication strategies, and offer inclusive language guidance to support LGBTQIA+ donors and their families.
Target Audience: This webinar is for tissue banking professionals working with LGBTQIA+ donors or have an interest in learning more about donation issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ community.

On June 18, join us for another installment from the Back to Basics Mini-Series, “Telling the Healing Stories of Tissue Recipients.” This webinar will highlight the profound ripple effects of tissue donation through real-life recipient stories and insights from a professional skilled in speaking with donor families. Whether you work directly with donor families or simply want to reconnect with the mission behind the work, this session promises heartfelt inspiration and renewed purpose.
Target Audience: This webinar is for tissue banking professionals working with donor families or have an interest in learning more about tissue donors and their impact.

Chapel Hill, North Carolina: HonorBridge is recruiting for a Tissue Services Supervisor for the Night Shift. In this role you will direct and guide tissue recovery staff.

Playa Vista, California: Carbon Life Sciences is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Tissue Bank Manager to play a critical role in the establishment and operation of our new tissue bank.

Scottsdale, Arizona: Applied Biologics, LLC, an AATB-accredited leader in tissue manufacturing, is seeking a dedicated Amniotic Membrane Processing Technician to join our team.