On Saturday 2 October, we were saddened to learn of the death of Professor Samuel (Sam) Machin after a short, final illness. Sam was a larger than life character who had a certain vision about how haematology should be and strived to achieve modernization. Through his distinguished career, he was involved with many of the National and International societies and committees involved in haematology and standardization. Sam studied medicine at Sheffield University from 1966 to 1971. He received his haematology training at Manchester Royal Infirmary before taking a Senior Registrar post at the Middlesex Hospital Medical School. In 1979, he joined Jos Vermylen and others at the Department of Vascular and Haemostasis Research, KU, Leuven. It was here where he commenced his career in haemostasis and thrombosis, researching on platelets, prostacyclin and haemolytic uraemic syndrome. Returning to London, he was appointed Consultant Haematologist (the youngest at the time to achieve that post in the UK) and worked with Professor Jimmie Stewart. Sam’s career progressed with his achievements leading to his appointment as Professor of Haematology at The Middlesex and later University College London (UCL). A large number of scientists and junior doctors received expert training in the Department, many obtaining MD and/or PhD. Almost without exception, trainees whom Sam mentored and supported have gone on to become consultants, professors, heads of department and divisions in hospitals, universities, the National Blood Service and industry. He took an active role in organizing the UCL Haemostasis Training Course, which helped haematologists from many parts of the world to obtain Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists. In 1981, Sam founded what was to become the Haemostasis Research Unit at UCL and directed research in many aspects of haemostasis and thrombosis. His primary areas were platelet function, thrombotic thrombocytopaenia, antiphospholipid syndrome and the prothrombotic effects of combined oral contraceptives. He was also interested in laboratory automation and set up an analyser and reagent evaluations unit that studied most new haematology and coagulation systems. He understood the need to communicate and encouraged staff to present their data at conferences, and he co-authored over 400 peer-reviewed publications. Sam worked tirelessly in supporting the interests of many societies and organizations. He was President of the British Society for Haemostasis and Thrombosis (2001-03) and British Society for Haematology (2005-07), serving as treasurer from 1994 to 2000. He chaired the British Committee for Standardisation in Haematology, UK NEQAS Haematology Steering Committee (2006-11) and the International Council for Standardization in Haematology (2007-20). He was Treasurer of the International Society for Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) for the 2003 congress in Birmingham and Vice Chairman of the ISTH Scientific Standards Committee. In 2007, Sam led the reorganization and modernization of the International Council for Standardization in Haematology and remained as Chair of this body until 2020. His enthusiasm and energy resulted in the publication of more than 30 peer-review publications on standardization in haematology, including many guidance and recommendation documents. He was a supporter of laboratory haematology as a discipline. He encouraged the late Berend Houwen to develop further meetings on “Technical Innovations in Laboratory Hematology,” which later led to the formation of the International Society for Laboratory Hematology, of which Sam became a board member. He served on the Editorial Board of this journal (International Journal of Laboratory Hematology) and remained an active reviewer (even saying just 2 weeks prior to his death that he would like to receive more manuscripts). Sam enjoyed playing and watching sport, being passionate about cricket, hockey and rugby league. A kind and generous man, although sometimes controversial because he liked to speak his mind. He had a way of cutting through bureaucracy, side stepping obstacles and getting things done. He is survived by his wife Jean, son Robert and daughters Clare and Rowena as well as 5 grandchildren.