Irish ABO and Coagulation (iABC)
Strategic Partnership
The IBTS and RCSI’s Professor James O’Donnell have received €2 million in funding from Research Ireland to lead a major national research programme investigating how biological differences between blood groups influence the body’s ability to control bleeding.
The award is part of the Research Ireland Strategic Partnership Programme.
“This is a natural and synergistic partnership for both our organisations, given the Irish Blood Transfusion Service has a long-standing commitment to deepening our understanding of blood donation, transfusion, and usage. Supporting health research that expands our knowledge of bleeding, is crucial to improving donor care, patient outcomes, and ultimately, quality of life.” Orla O’Brien, CEO of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service, May 2026.
Understanding blood groups and bleeding risk
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Although the ABO blood group system has long been central to blood transfusion medicine, blood type also plays an important role in regulating bleeding and clotting.
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People with blood type O have a higher risk of excessive bleeding, but the biological mechanisms behind this remain poorly understood.
Aims
The four-year Irish ABO and Coagulation (iABC) study will explore why people with different blood groups experience varying risks of excessive bleeding, thrombosis and transfusion-related complications.
The iABC programme will address these questions by:
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Analysing blood samples and health data from 1,000 Irish blood donors.
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Creating the first large-scale national biorepository in Ireland dedicated to understanding the relationship between blood groups and coagulation.
Impact
The findings have the potential to improve the treatment of bleeding disorders, support safer and more effective transfusion processes, and inform care for patients in emergency situations.
The programme will also support six early-career scientists over the next four years, including three PhD students and three postdoctoral researchers, helping to build capacity in cardiovascular and transfusion research in Ireland.
Innovation
The iABC programme reflects our joint commitment to addressing healthcare challenges through innovation and research collaboration.
The programme represents a major collaboration between RCSI and the Irish Blood Transfusion Service, combining expertise in vascular biology, transfusion medicine and clinical research.