An Interview with Dr. Toshio Suda — Shaping the Future of Experimental Hematology

This week on Simply Blood, we are delighted to share an inspiring conversation with Dr. Toshio Suda, the Editor-in-Chief of Experimental Hematology (ExphHem)! As an ISEH Board of Director, Chief Associate Editor of ExpHem, and a liaison to the ISEH Publication Committee, Dr. Keisuke Ito from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY, USA, had the unique opportunity to discuss the journal’s evolution including its future vision, and the ongoing efforts that are shaping the field of experimental hematology.

Panel 1.

1.    What inspired you to become an editor, and why did you choose Experimental Hematology among many journals?

My first experience with ISEH was at the 8th Rotterdam Annual Meeting, where I presented a poster on the immunological aspects of aplastic anemia. Interestingly, I was standing next to a young researcher from Switzerland giving a similar presentation—that was a real eye-opener, making me realize how interconnected our global community truly is. Over nearly five decades of involvement—including serving as President at the 2010 Melbourne ISEH meeting—I’ve been continually inspired by the society’s vibrant spirit.

Panel 2.

This passion for the society’s mission motivated me to accept the role of Editor-in-Chief for Experimental Hematology two and half years ago. The journal embodies the essence of scientific exchange and personal connection—values I hold very dear.

2.    What are some memorable moments from ISEH?

One moment that stands out was witnessing a leading and established researcher in hematopoiesis giving a meticulously rehearsed 20-minute presentation. Seeing such dedication and excellence really moved me. I believe this exemplifies the “society effect”—inspiring us all through shared passion.  

Recently, I also learned about the heartfelt obituary for Dr. Jim Till, arranged by you, Keisuke, and written by Drs. Iscove, Bernstein, and Worton (http://bit.ly/3GVK3JV). It attracted an enormous number of downloads! The article beautifully recounts the history of CFU-S and explains why the term “Colony-Forming Units” was chosen over “Colony-Forming Cells,” reflecting the modesty and curiosity that once defined our field. The ability to recognize hematopoietic stem cells as actual cells only emerged after Dr. Weissman and colleagues introduced FACS, which marked one of pivotal turning points in stem cell research.

3.    What is your vision for the future of Experimental Hematology?
I envision this journal as a lively, inspiring platform to the passionate spirit (or the human stories) behind the science through the journal, beyond mere information exchange or just sharing groundbreaking research. I want articles that reveal the faces, thoughts, and passions of the authors—creating a genuine sense of community.  

We plan to feature special issues on topics like stem cell culture, gene editing, advanced imaging, and novel experimental models. Embracing new technologies like FACS and optical methods will ensure we stay at the forefront of innovation.

4.    How do you see the revitalization of the Editorial Board and new article formats like Commentary, Society Voices, Editorial, and new Review Series?
Our goal is to foster deeper communication within the board by encouraging each member of Associate Editors and Editorial Board to write a review of their main research areas. This will promote mutual understanding and collaboration.  

The new formats—Commentary, Society Voices, and Editorial—have already received positive feedback, sparking lively discussions and diverse perspectives. These initiatives aim to make Experimental Hematology a dynamic journal that reflects the vibrant exchange of ideas within our community, especially among the next generation of researchers and clinicians.

5.    How can ISEH members contribute feedback to the journal? How do you incorporate the voices of ISEH members and young researchers into the journal?  
The strength of ISEH lies in its international scope. Thanks to the current remote format, leaders like Drs. McKinney-Freeman and Milsom have been instrumental in guiding us. I believe that active participation in annual meetings and article submissions can further strengthen the connection between the ISEH society and the journal. 

Additionally, I feel that sharing insights from society meetings or Board discussions through Editorial or web columns—such as Simply Blood or Society Voices—can help amplify our collective voice. We have also recently revamped the Experimental Hematology website (https://www.exphem.org/), introducing new sections such as Featured This Month, Visual Abstracts, and some Videos. While there are inherent limitations to what a journal can accomplish, supplementing online content remains crucial. I want to emphasize that the revitalization of the editorial board and upcoming initiatives—including the launch of new article formats—are reforms driven by valuable feedback from the Publications Committee, ISEH members, and especially early-stage researchers. 

As part of these efforts, Keisuke and Dr. Milsom have been acting as bridges—listening to and representing the voices of our community—by facilitating communication between the Publications Committee, other ISEH committees, and members. Additionally, at the ISEH meetings, we have been fortunate to create opportunities for next-generation members to engage in meaningful discussions during New Investigator Committee and Junior Faculty Committee educational events. 
We look forward to seeing more contributions from ISEH members to columns like Simply Blood, Editorial, and Society Voices, as well as receiving suggestions for topics and/or potential editors of Special Issues!

6. What are your thoughts on collaborating with ISEH, and what challenges do you foresee?
One major challenge is increasing the journal’s impact factor. We aim to address this by attracting comprehensive reviews and innovative methods, and we are also considering sharing best practices. Since ISEH spans Europe, the Americas, and the Pacific, time zone differences can be tricky—sometimes, webinars organized by New Investigator or Junior Faculty committees are held at midnight for Asian members. Recording sessions and online discussions can help, but direct communication remains vital.

7. How do you plan to attract new readers and authors?
While maintaining the core focus of Experimental Hematology, I believe it’s crucial to incorporate clinical areas like cell therapies and tumor immunology, which are rapidly expanding.  
Revisiting the history of debates around stem cell niches and providing comprehensive reviews can also help guide young researchers. In this era dominated by evidence and omics-based science, I hope to see the publication of elegant, simple models—similar to those envisioned by Drs. Till, McCulloch, and past editors like Dr. Connie Eaves—that challenge and inspire us all.

8. Finally, how can society members contribute to Experimental Hematology?
Participation through submissions, conference attendance (Panel 2), and active engagement is essential. Our goal is to create a journal that values innovation, quality, and human connection over impact factors alone.

Closing Remarks
Dr. Toshio Suda’s insights reflect his deep passion for science and his unwavering commitment to fostering a vibrant community. He emphasized that, while the journal’s primary role is to publish cutting-edge research, it also serves as a platform for genuine human connection and collaboration within the ISEH community.

As members of ISEH, our collective efforts—through submissions, participation, and engagement—are essential for the success of Experimental Hematology. We sincerely hope that all ISEH members will continue working together to elevate the journal and advance our field to new heights!

Panels and their legends:
Panel 1: A candid moment captured during the interview. Dr. Suda has been continuing his research as a Professor at the Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College.

Panel 2: During the river cruise at the 52nd ISEH Meeting in New York (2023), Dr. Suda (second from the left) and Dr. Ito (far right) are pictured with President Dr. Steidl (second from the right) and Dr. Takizawa (far left).

Blog post contributed by Keisuke Ito (X:keisuke_ito_lab, Bluesky: @keisukeito-lab.bsky.social), ISEH Board Member and Chief Associate Editor of Experimental Hematology.

Please note that the statements made by Simply Blood authors are their own views and not necessarily the views of ISEH. ISEH disclaims any or all liability arising from any author's statements or materials.