Dr. Hal E. Broxmeyer was a pioneering microbiologist whose visionary research fundamentally transformed the field of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. As an IU Distinguished Professor and Mary Margaret Walther Professor Emeritus at Indiana University School of Medicine, he held leadership positions including Chair of Microbiology and Immunology and founding Director of the Walther Oncology Center. Born in Brooklyn, New York on November 27, 1944, he was recruited from Memorial Sloan Kettering to join Indiana University's faculty in 1983, where he established himself as a transformative figure in medical research. His early career trajectory positioned him at the forefront of hematopoietic stem cell research, setting the stage for his groundbreaking contributions to cord blood transplantation.
Dr. Broxmeyer pioneered the clinical application of umbilical cord blood as a source for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, revolutionizing treatment options for patients with blood disorders and cancers. His seminal research established the protocols and methodologies that enabled what has grown to an estimated 40,000 cord blood transplantations performed worldwide, offering life-saving alternatives for patients lacking matched bone marrow donors. With an impressive scholarly record of 838 peer-reviewed publications cited more than 72,500 times, his work advanced fundamental understanding of hematopoiesis and stem cell biology while directly translating to clinical applications. The therapeutic impact of his discoveries extended to countless patients globally, establishing cord blood as a viable and often preferred source for stem cell transplantation across a spectrum of hematologic conditions.
Beyond his research achievements, Dr. Broxmeyer was a dedicated mentor who trained scores of pre-doctoral and post-doctoral students, many of whom went on to establish highly productive academic careers in hematology and stem cell research. He became the first PhD scientist elected president of the American Society of Hematology in 2010 and previously served as president of the International Society for Experimental Hematology in 1991, demonstrating his leadership and influence across the global scientific community. His laboratory at Indiana University consistently produced high-impact research, maintaining remarkable productivity throughout his career including 68 peer-reviewed papers in his final five years. Dr. Broxmeyer's legacy endures through the continued global implementation of cord blood transplantation and the generations of scientists he inspired through his rigorous scholarship, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to advancing medical science.
