Geraldine Walsh

Dr. Geraldine Walsh received her PhD from the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland, with a thesis investigating the role of nitric oxide in the regulation of platelet integrins. She conducted postdoctoral studies at the University of British Columbia and Canadian Blood Services (Vancouver, BC), focused on understanding the platelet storage lesion.  

Since joining Canadian Blood Services in 2010, Dr. Walsh has held roles including scientific writer, knowledge broker, and development scientist. Her interdisciplinary background—spanning research, communication, and development—enables her to combine scientific rigour with clear, accessible communication. In her current role as lead development scientist, she applies this expertise to support evidenceinformed improvements and innovation within the blood system.

Research areas

• blood components
• product and process development
• in vitro quality
• red blood cells, platelets

Other appointments

• Canadian Blood Services associate member for the BEST (Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion) Collaborative, 2023–present
• Committee member, ISBT Blood Component Working Party, 2024–present
• Member, AABB RISE committee, 2025 - present
• Member, AABB DEIA committee, 2023–2025

Research interests

Dr. Geraldine Walsh’s research interests include blood components, especially in vitro quality of red blood cell and platelet components, manufacturing processes for blood components and other biologics, new and improved products and processes, and platelet biology. 

As lead development scientist, Dr. Walsh provides scientific oversight to Canadian Blood Services’ netCAD group, guiding development activities that support product and process improvement and innovation for the organization.