HTRS is pleased to announce that Brian Branchford, MD, a pediatric hematologist and physician-scientist at the Versiti Blood Research Institute, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 HTRS Mid-Career Research Award (MCRA).
Brian Branchford, MD
Versiti Blood Research Institute
Funded Project
Platelet-Derived Protein S Signaling Through TYRO3/MERTK in Platelet Activation and Thrombus Stability: A Pediatric Thromboinflammation Study
Advancing Pediatric Thrombosis Research
Dr. Branchford’s research will advance understanding of the mechanisms underlying pediatric thromboinflammation and venous thromboembolism (VTE). His project will generate key mechanistic and translational data on platelet-derived Protein S and TYRO3/MERTK signaling.
The findings are expected to support the development of safer, pediatric-specific approaches to VTE prevention and treatment while positioning the research for future NIH R01-level funding.
A pediatric hematologist and physician-scientist, Dr. Branchford has dedicated his clinical and research programs to understanding and preventing venous thromboembolism in children, particularly in the setting of inflammation.
His training included a pediatric residency and chief residency at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and the Medical College of Wisconsin, followed by a fellowship in pediatric hematology, oncology, and bone marrow transplant at Children’s Hospital Colorado. During his training, he gained research experience in von Willebrand factor biology, platelet biology, and murine thrombosis models.
Over the past 15 years, Dr. Branchford’s work has centered on thromboinflammatory platelet signaling, including the Protein S/GAS6-TAM receptor pathway, platelet activation, and thrombus stability.
Leadership and Collaboration
Dr. Branchford’s clinical and collaborative work includes leadership in institutional thrombosis initiatives and co-founding the Children’s Healthcare Advancements in Thrombosis (CHAT) Clinical Research Consortium, which studies hospital-acquired pediatric thrombosis and its risk factors.
He also represents the United States on the Executive Committee of the International Pediatric Thrombosis Network (IPTN). His long-term goal is to build an independent, externally funded research program in non-malignant hematology that connects mechanistic platelet biology with pediatric thrombosis prevention.
About the HTRS Mid-Career Research Award
Funded entirely by HTRS, the Mid-Career Research Award provides $216,000 over two years to support clinical, translational, or basic science research in hemostasis and thrombosis.
The award is designed for clinicians, physician-scientists, and discovery-based scientists with 5 to 15 years of academic research experience. It assists recipients in making the transition to full academic research independence and R01-equivalent funding.
Recognizing the Awards Program Council
HTRS extends its sincere appreciation to Janice Staber, MD, Chair, and Lindsey George, MD, Vice Chair, for their leadership of the Mid-Career Research Award Committee on the HTRS Awards Program Council.
Their leadership and dedication throughout the review process help ensure that HTRS continues to recognize and invest in exceptional investigators whose work advances the field of hemostasis and thrombosis.
Please join HTRS in congratulating Dr. Brian Branchford on this well-deserved recognition!