We are delighted to announce Dr Eiko Hayase as a touchHEMATOLOGY Future Leader 2026, selected by her peers as a rising star poised to shape the future of using the intestinal microbiome to improve transplant outcomes.
Dr Eiko Hayase is an Instructor at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA. She completed her medical and doctoral training in Japan before pursuing postdoctoral research at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Her research focuses on how the intestinal microbiome regulates immune responses and tissue regeneration following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. She is developing microbiome-based therapeutic strategies to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and improve transplant outcomes.
In this touchHEMATOLOGY Future Leaders interview, Dr Hayase shares how mentorship, curiosity and a willingness to step beyond her comfort zone have shaped her career in allogeneic stem cell transplantation research.
“Science is not always as easy as we expect, but it is full of opportunities that make it exciting and rewarding”
Can you tell us about a mentor who has had a significant impact on your career, and the most valuable lesson they have shared with you?
I have had two mentors who have significantly impacted my career. Both encouraged me to become a global leader in my field, which means not becoming comfortable with the current situation, but instead continuously challenging myself by embracing new and difficult opportunities at different stages of my career. Their guidance taught me that growth comes from stepping outside my comfort zone and remaining open to new experiences and perspectives.
Is there a particular moment or experience in your career that reinforced your passion for your specialty?
As a physician-scientist, my passion for this field is reinforced whenever I discover new biological mechanisms or identify novel strategies that have the potential to improve current medical practice. Knowing that our research could ultimately lead to better outcomes for patients is both motivating and deeply rewarding, and it continues to inspire my work.
What advice would you offer to those just beginning their journey in your specialty?
Science is not always as easy as we expect, but it is full of opportunities that make it exciting and rewarding. I would encourage those who are just beginning their journey to focus not only on achievements, but also on following their curiosity and interests. Being willing to ask questions, explore new ideas and learn from challenges can lead to unexpected discoveries and a fulfilling career.
Disclosures: This short article was prepared by touchHEMATOLOGY in collaboration with Dr Eiko Hayase. No fees or funding were associated with its publication.
Citation: Dr Eiko Hayase on how the microbiome can improve outcomes after stem cell transplantation: touchHEMATOLOGY Future Leaders 2026. touchHEMATOLOGY. 22 July 2026.
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