AGENDA
14 - 15 MAY 2025 | ExCeL London
London, 14 - 15 May 2025
Schedule
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Opening remarks
Keynote Panel: Positioning the UK as a global science and technology powerhouse
- The UK lab community is thriving, how do we ensure this momentum continues?
- How can we identify, pursue and achieve a strategic advantage in key technologies?
- Where is investment in R&D being allocated?
- Examples of schemes that are encouraging innovation in UK Labs
- How can we encourage collaborations and partnerships that are important in harnessing innovation?
Keynote Panel: How is the UK leading the charge for innovative technology
- How is your company harnessing the power of data and AI to drive discovery and progress design?
- Examples of the impact quantum computing can have across industries.
- How is AI & ML impacting the discovery of novel medicines, healthcare and patient care?
- What do you expect from these technologies in the future?
- How can we encourage world-class AI research teams and talented scientists to work in the UK?
Break
Visit our start-ups and posters on the expo floor
Automated drug discovery, development and manufacturing with AI-ready data
How will AI-ready data enable the automation of drug discovery, development, and manufacturing? Imagine a world where self-driving labs uncover new drugs faster than ever before. The pharmaceutical industry is witnessing a paradigm shift with the adoption of AI-driven processes, enabling the discovery of new drugs in silico through intelligent engines, digital twins, and automation. However, the success of these models hinges on the quality and readiness of the data used. We will discuss how agnostic software solutions facilitate the capture, ingestion, and standardization of data, making it AI-ready and overcoming major bottlenecks in the digital transformation to self-driving labs. These advancements will pave the way for faster, more personalized medicine delivery.
Shaping the future of lab software
The demand for connected software leveraging the latest technology in science is greater than ever. Imagine laboratory software providing a secure environment for data with capabilities similar to office applications, including real-time collaboration and web-based access. Innovative solutions harmonize processes and accelerate data insights, enhancing current lab operations and shaping the future of scientific research.
Panel: Shaping the future of the chemical industry: digital, innovative and sustainable
- How to leverage digital tools to advance the chemical lab?
- How can chemical labs lead the transition toward a more sustainable industry
- What is the importance of people in the digital age of the chemical lab?
*Title TBC
Senior Representative, Exyte
Creating a community and harnessing AI to address the biggest problems in lab automation and beyond
From Meteorites to Motors, to Cheese and Whiskey: a collaborative model to unveil compound fingerprints
Redefining existing spaces–From a nightclub to a lab
Integrated software & hardware to enable streamlined analytical and purification workflows
Transforming laboratories: from manual to autonomous with automation and digitalization
The integration of automation and digitalization is revolutionizing laboratory operations. This presentation explores the journey from traditional manual laboratories to fully autonomous laboratories. We will delve into the characteristics, advantages, and challenges of manual, autonomous, and hybrid laboratories, emphasizing the advancement from manual operations to guided digital workflows and ultimately to fully autonomous laboratories. Through real-world examples, we will illustrate the practical applications and benefits of these innovations. Join us as we envision the future of laboratory automation, where efficiency, accuracy, and innovation converge.
Supercharging infectious disease research: Advanced automation and AI in high-security lab environments
In this session, Dr. Mike Egan will examine how the integration of robotics and artificial intelligence is revolutionizing infectious disease research. He will also address key infrastructure challenges involved in developing secure, high-containment laboratories.
Dr. Egan will spotlight the creation of a unique, £10 million Category 3 high-containment laboratory—currently under construction at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. Funded by the Liverpool City Region investment zone and supported by the Infection Innovation Consortium (iiCON), this state-of-the-art facility is set to open in early 2027. It will feature cutting-edge automation and AI technologies designed to accelerate the discovery and development of novel anti-infectives, diagnostics, and preventative products.
Finally, Dr. Egan will explore the collaborative efforts between academia, industry, and the NHS, highlighting how innovative partnerships are addressing pressing global health challenges through advanced research and development.
Implementation of automation and AI in laboratory-based infrared (IR) spectroscopy
The path to inclusive research: The Sex Inclusive Research Framework
More ChemLabs–uniting chemical sciences, property development, investment and government to catalyse more chemistry labs for start-ups
Deep tech chemistry can transform the way we live today, helping secure a better future for people and our planet. However, ventures developing these technologies are stuck. With long experimental timelines, ventures cannot find suitable facilities to conduct research or scale-up their technologies and are not reaching their potential. No laboratory, no technology research, no impact. This talk focuses on More ChemLabs initiative launched by the RSC. Together with key stakeholders: property developers, investors, universities, research facilities, policymakers, startups we embarked on a journey to understand challenges and driving forces hindering availability of chemistry laboratories for startups and will present the opportunities identified to catalyse system-wide changes.
Break
Visit our start-ups and posters on the expo floor
Chair
Chair
Chair
Panel: Design and verification of safe and reliable lab robots
- By now we know automation in our labs is necessary, so how can we take advantage of the advances in robotics while ensuring safety and reliability?
- What is being developed to support the introduction of robots in labs?
- How can robots enable greener and cleaner experiments?
- What steps are put in place to ensure security?
- What are some of the ethical concerns and what can be done to address them?
The future of global working-VR research with integrated intelligent multi-lingual voice AIs
- Key Focus:Advancing global collaboration using Virtual Reality (VR) and AI-driven multilingual voice assistants.
- Digital Twin Labs:Introduction to Lab427 VR – a digital twin laboratory enhancing remote teamwork and scientific research.
- AI Integration:AI avatars trained for lab operations, achieving high accuracy in task execution and multilingual communication.
- Global Impact:Breaking geographical barriers, improving accessibility, and revolutionizing scientific and healthcare training.
- Future Outlook:How VR and AI will redefine remote working, training, and research in a globalized world.
How to digilatise your laboratory using a Generative AI orchestrator
Digital transformation has already reshaped laboratories, with cloud computing driving efficiency and scalability. Now, the next revolution for laboratory is here: Generative AI.
Eusoft presents Eusoft IAGO, our generative AI-powered virtual assistant transforming lab management. Integrated with our cloud-native SaaS LIMS, Eusoft.Lab, or as a standalone application, IAGO processes data and documents within the system and immediately generates the information you need, streamlining and accelerating all laboratory activities.
Join us at London Live Lab’s Digital Transformation session to see how labs leverage cloud-native LIMS and AI for productivity, compliance, and innovation
Panel: Demand vs supply-how can we keep up with UK’s ever-growing need for lab space?
- How can we innovate with limited space? (e.g high-rise labs, repurposing old buildings, and creative space optimization)
- What new lab developments are emerging in London?
- How are hubs outside of London evolving to meet demand?
- What are companies/institutes seeking in lab spaces and how can these be achieved?
- How can technology drive efficiency and flexibility in lab design? (e.g. modular setups, smart building technology, and adaptable infrastructure.)
Collaborating to develop microencapsulated slow-release technology
Our microencapsulation slow release technology was developed to enhance nutrient absorption and ensure consistent delivery without common side effects like bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. This innovation led to the creation of our best-selling product, Iron Assist, which supports optimal bioavailability while being gentle on the body. The slow release mechanism promotes steady absorption, minimizing waste and maximizing efficacy. Tested in collaboration with a university research lab over several years, the technology is compatible with a wide range of vitamins and works particularly well with chocolate-based formulations, offering a pleasant taste with no aftertaste.
*Title TBC
Streamlining microbiome analysis with flexible and automated solutions
Advancements in microbiome research demand efficient, scalable, and high-quality analytical solutions. Our approach leverages automation and adaptable workflows to enhance the precision and reproducibility of microbiome studies, from sample processing to data analysis. By integrating cutting-edge technology and flexible methodologies, we enable researchers to accelerate discoveries while ensuring high-throughput and cost-effective solutions.
Powering innovation: How external partnerships drive collaboration & accelerate discovery
Digital transformation: Do we still know what it means?
Digital transformation has become a buzzword, but do we still understand what it truly means? Many organizations focus on technology upgrades, automation, and data strategies, but are these the activities that drive real impact? This session challenges conventional thinking, exposes common misconceptions, and explores what genuinely moves the needle in transformation efforts. By cutting through the clichés and highlighting disruptive yet practical insights, we’ll redefine what success looks like in a digital-first world. We will cover what works, what doesn’t, and where the real value of digital transformation lies.
Establishing DIGIBAT facility for accelerated discovery and optimised batteries and fuel cells
Break
Visit our start-ups and posters on the expo floor
Combining robots and AI for a more efficient drug discovery workflow
Panel: Let’s get personal – How can we ensure the future of medicine is tailor-made prevention and treatment?
One size fit all is no longer good enough.
- What does the role of modelling and simulation have on understanding complex diseases?
- Precision medicine is ever evolving, what are some examples of current personalised medicine?
- What are some of the barriers in developing and implementing personalised medicine?
- What technologies are enabling personalised medicine?
- What can we expect from personalised medicine in the future?
Translating vision into value: Effective change management in digital transformation
Bringing autonomous robotics and AI into agriculture
Digital lab strategy and architecture
The Pillars of Orchestration: A simplified approach for any scale of lab automation that delivers
Modern laboratory automation increasingly depends on the integration of three fundamental layers: the Physical, Logical, and Data. The Physical layer interfaces directly with instruments and devices, ensuring that experimental procedures are executed with precision. The Logical layer governs the design and execution of workflows, embedding robust process controls and error management. Finally, the Data layer connects these operations with broader IT systems, enabling comprehensive data capture and analysis. This orchestrated approach not only enables complex end-2-end workflows, it enhances operational efficiency, improves error resilience and process traceability, all attributes that benefit any operation. In this presentation, we will dissect the principles underpinning each layer, examine how their convergence elevates laboratory performance, and explore emerging methodologies that are redefining modern lab automation practices.
Marketplace for ELNs-Connecting vendors and academics
*Title TBC
Sponsored by PerkinElmer
Exhibition Drinks
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Day 2 Opening Remarks
Keynote Panel: Innovating sustainably: Unlocking growth, efficiency, and environmental responsibility in research
Focusing on the future of labs requires strategic prioritisation to balancesustainability, functionality,and cost.
- How are you meeting market demand and sustainability?
- How do we ensure we are focusing on the alignment of resources and priorities?
- What strategies help manage costs while advancing sustainable innovation?
- How can we reduce scope 2-3 emissions?
- Can you share examples of collaborative sustainability initiatives and their impact?
Break
Visit our start-ups on the expo floor
Chair
Creating the reliable data infrastructure for AI-driven new product development and R&D
As industries strive to maintain a competitive edge, leveraging AI in R&D activities has become a powerful catalyst to spur innovation and efficiency. However, integrating AI and machine learning within the R&D sector necessitates a foundational shift towards structured data management.
This talk covers the significance of structured lab data in fostering innovations and maps out a strategic roadmap for organizations to fully optimize their R&D outcomes.
By understanding and establishing the proper foundation of data, R&D organizations will be well equipped and confident that the data they collect today, continues to add value to the data and experiments they run in the future. Structured data is the key to ensuring better decision-making and a competitive advantage today and in the long term
Data governance and FAIR data
We give examples of what FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data means for R&D, and why FAIR data is essential for the efficient running of an R&D function. To help make FAIR data stick in Johnson Matthey, we have recently appointed Data Stewards and Data Owners. We will talk about how the appropriate personnel are properly informed and empowered to make the decisions necessary for making R&D data fit for purpose.
*Title TBC
Senior Representative, Clinisys
Environmental sustainability of research and innovation practice: Driving change & taking responsibility
Research and innovation are providing solutions to the “wicked” problems of our times. Yet the twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss mean the environmental impact of these activities cannot remain unexamined and unquestioned. This session explores two mechanisms that aim to drive change in how research and innovation are conducted and to promote sustainable practices: the UK sector-owned Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice and the Wellcome Trust’s Environmental Sustainability funding policy. Learn what it means to be a signatory of the concordat and about Wellcome’s expectations for researchers and their organisations.
AI for Chemistry: AIchemy
Can synthetic data help fuel the AI revolution?
This presentation will provide an overview of synthetic data including what it means the different types of synthetic data and their applications. In a world of increasing data governance requirements making data access challenging, the talk will discuss the role of synthetic data as a privacy-enhancing technology (PET) that could unblock data access. In addition, case studies will be included on how synthetic data could be used in the development of AI algorithms, to understand the impact of biases on AI algorithm performance and as a counterfactual to test the robustness of an AI algorithm when exposed to non-standard scenarios.
Material Acceleration Platforms (MAPs) as enablers of resilient and sustainable technology value chains
Material Acceleration Platforms (MAPs) represent a transformative approach to the development of resilient and sustainable technology value chains. These platforms can identify candidate chemistries and structures via simulations, and database searches and leverage machine learning-based rapid screening to accelerate the discovery and deployment of novel materials, thereby addressing critical challenges in modern technology sectors.
Incorporating high-fidelity advanced characterization in the early phases of material development is crucial for early de-risking. Advanced characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, advanced electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques provide comprehensive insights into the structural, chemical, and physical properties of materials. Long-term testing further contributes to the de-risking process by evaluating the durability and stability of materials under various environmental and operational conditions. Early identification of potential degradation mechanisms enables the refinement of material compositions and processing methods, ultimately leading to the development of more resilient materials.
The poster will give an overview of the MAPs in operation at the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM, Berlin, Germany) which cover a wide range of application fields, from nanomaterials to electrochemistry, from novel glasses to energy materials. It will also showcase how different digital tools are supporting the MAPs@BAM initiative.
Scaling global sustainability in science: The My Green Lab certification movement
My Green Lab Certification has become the global standard for laboratory sustainability, with over 4,000 labs certified across 50 countries. This session will highlight the momentum behind the movement and introduce My Green Lab Certification 2.0 and the updated ACT Label—tools that emphasize third-party verification, robust data, and measurable environmental impact. These programs align with international best practices and are designed to help labs meet their net-zero and procurement goals. Attendees will learn how scientific organizations are using certification to drive systemic change, and how credible, standardized metrics are transforming the way labs approach sustainability around the world.
Data governance and the future of AI: Where is research heading & regulatory insights
Aaron Kalvani will share how advanced data governance and AI strategies are revolutionizing laboratory environments and scientific research. Drawing from real-life case studies across diverse global settings—including Canada, Costa Rica, India, Singapore, and Georgia (Sakartvelo)—he will demonstrate how data-driven innovation is enhancing research accuracy, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Attendees will gain practical insights on implementing robust data governance frameworks within laboratory contexts, fostering responsible AI adoption while addressing emerging challenges. This session is designed for lab managers, data scientists, researchers, and policy-makers focused on the future of laboratory technology and innovation.
Panel: Addressing the biggest challenges in consumer goods labs and beyond
- How can you ensuring sustainability from the lab, to supply chain to customer
- How to keep up with user experience expectations (digitalization of products/connected experience, personalized products)?
- Why is data integrity so important in FMCG?
- How are you establishing collaboration & standardisation across departments and sites?
CDD Vault: AI-driven platform for accelerated drug discovery and molecular optimization
Vault offers a powerful platform for generating standardized small molecule datasets enriched with metadata, optimizing them for AI-driven applications. Its advanced search AI facilitates rapid and secure compound searches across ChEMBL, SureChEMBL, Enamine, and other public databases, clustering similar structures by scaffold and enabling the integration of additional molecular properties for deeper analysis. Vault’s bioisosteric suggestion algorithm aids molecular design by proposing relevant fragments. Users can explore search results and bioisostere suggestions through visualization tools, accelerating the development of novel therapeutic compounds.
FAIRifying skin microbiome research: An experimental data case study for knowledge discovery
Sustainable research: when green means good (and good means green)
Sustainability in research is often linked to reducing environmental impact. But it also means conducting research that is relevant, reliable, and reproducible. In this talk, we’ll explore how sustainable practices contribute to higher research quality and integrity. Through real-world case studies, we’ll highlight the essential connection between sustainability and excellence in scientific work.
Harnessing synthetic data generation and multiple integration with AI
Open-source ELN for collaboration, data archival and management and green and sustainability chemistry
Digital tools will be a critical part of making chemistry research laboratories more sustainable. Our AI4Green open-source electronic laboratory notebook (ELN),https://ai4green.app, combines features including data archival and collaboration tools. The application's design facilitates the integration of auxiliary sustainability applications. For example, the open-source retrosynthesis software, AiZynthFinder has been integrated into the platform. AI4Green features a sustainable solvent selection tool, which comprises the Solvent Guide and the Solvent Surfer. The latter is an interactive principal component analysis (PCA) that provides users with an easy method to determine greener solvent alternatives and allows the exploitation of interactive PCA to tailor embeddings
'AI enabled everything' - what does it mean? A practical approach for lab operations
In the face of a rapidly expanding selection of 'AI enabled' tools for Lab Operations, are we missing the point? In this presentation we will discuss what 'AI enabled' means for Lab Operations, and reflect on some practical (and not so practical!) examples of approaches seen to date.
The environmental sustainability of science: Today and moving forward
How GenAI-powered Knowledge Management solutions can create value in the pharma industry
An overview on how a holistic approach to Knowledge Management, combined with an effective change management and adoption strategy and supported by GenAI, is making a quantifiable tangible impact in Novartis, through increased productivity and improved decision-making.
Delivering state of the art data science for advanced characterisation at Johnson Matthey
Over recent decades, the drive for cleaner energy, sustainable chemicals, and greener mobility has transformed industrial research and development. At Johnson Matthey (JM), this challenge has brought together a diverse community of materials scientists, chemists, engineers, computer scientists, and mathematicians, all working collaboratively toward shared goals. At the center of this transformation is the ability to interpret and utilize increasingly complex datasets, ranging from high-resolution microscopy and spectroscopic data to correlative three-dimensional tomographic reconstructions.
A key component of JM’s strategy is the integration of characterization techniques across multiple length scales. These include X-ray tomography (XRT), focused ion beam (FIB) tomography, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which together provide a comprehensive view of hierarchical structures. This enables the discovery of subtle relationships between material structure and catalytic performance, from micron-scale features captured by XRT, through meso- and nanoscale insights revealed by FIB, to atomic-level details exposed by TEM.
To manage the growing volume and diversity of data, JM has developed a powerful and adaptable platform built on Python-based tools, parallel computing libraries, and cloud infrastructure. This framework supports seamless workflows for data ingestion, preprocessing, analysis, and visualization. It enables fast collaboration, informed decision making, and predictive modeling that strengthens the connection between theory and experiment.
In this talk, we explore how JM uses data-driven approaches in catalysis science, showing how the combination of advanced instrumentation, computational analytics, and modern software platforms leads to new levels of scientific understanding.
LabOpsUK–A community for Lab Ops professionals across the UK, to create a knowledge base and networking opportunities
LabOpsUK is an initiative that allows Lab Operations Professionals to network and share knowledge. Our mission is to establish a vibrant community of LabOps professionals in the UK, dedicated to fostering a culture of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and to create opportunities for networking, mentorship and to engage in constructive discussions.
Learn about the events we organise and how you can join this free networking group to drive forward professional goals.
Break
Visit our start-ups on the expo floor
Chair
Chair
Chair
Transparency, accuracy and awareness towards ethical AI
The Physical Sciences Data Infrastructure: What we can do for you!
PSDI aims to accelerate research in the physical sciences by providing a data infrastructure that brings together and builds upon the various data systems researchers currently use. We have created tools and services for the community to enhance their research and data capabilities across the research data lifecycle. We provide access to highly curated datasets and have developed guidance and training materials designed to inform and upskill the community. This presentation will provide an introduction to PSDI and detail our range of offerings for physical scientists, and explain how you can get involved with and benefit from our infrastructure.
From insights to outcomes: Real-world optimisation of lab operations using CrossLab Connect digital services
Is your lab using data to support your spending decisions, or relying on intuition? Agilent Digital Services provides laboratories with a holistic view of what is really happening in the lab. But how are laboratories capitalising on utilisation and service data and insights? We look at case studies where CrossLab Connect is empowering Lab Managers and Purchasing Managers to reduce costs, improve productivity and meet sustainability goals.
- Learn how combining utilisation and service analytics with expert guidance provides valuable insights for more informed decisions.
- Case studies showing how Lab and Purchasing Managers are reducing costs, enhancing productivity, and contributing to meeting sustainability targets.
- Understand the process and benefits of connecting your laboratory with CrossLab Connect.
Developing accelerated biodegradation testing
Panel: Have we failed FAIR or has FAIR failed us?
- What does it truly mean to be fair – is it possible?
- Why have we struggled so much with FAIR? – complexity, lack of time or money
- What initiatives are trying to help and are there any viable tools that people can used?
- What is the role of data stewards in making this happen?
- Selection, best practice, sustainability & sustainability evaluation and trust worthiness of repositories?
Real world outcomes: Turning the dial on frozen
Since Clarence Birdseye invented the frozen category nearly 100 years ago, the assumed temperature for storing frozen food industry-wide has never changed. We have therefore launched a breakthrough project aiming to explore whether frozen products can be stored at different temperatures and understanding the benefits / drawbacks of doing so.
Using GenAI in the lab * Title TBC
Future technology in your lab today
This session will showcase the latest technologies shaping modern laboratories. It will cover the role of LIMS systems in streamlining laboratory processes, the capabilities of AI-powered tools like Copilot4Labs to support decision-making, and the potential of augmented reality with Holo4Labs, enabling data integration directly at the workstation. The presentation will demonstrate how these technologies enhance the daily operations of laboratories, improving efficiency, regulatory compliance, and innovation.
Renewable energy the future of sustainability
Visual Intelligence: the missing piece of the science automation puzzle
Visual Intelligence – the Missing Piece of the Science Automation Puzzlereveals how Visual AI solves a persistent gap in scientific automation. Observation – the cornerstone of science – remains manual, qualitative, and fragmented. Visual data is still captured as narrative, filtered through human perception. Visual AI transforms this into structured, continuous insight – capturing critical latent datasets from workflows, materials, and environments. By going beyond traditional computer vision, Visual Intelligence provides the quantitative, real-time feedback needed for informed decision-making and action – enabling science and manufacturing to make a meaningful use of their data and accelerate science.
Q&A: Managing meta data efficiently to enhance your automation projects
Precision uncovered: Testing and characterisation in additive manufacturing
Testing plays a crucial role in Additive Manufacturing (AM), as it helps address the unique challenges of material anisotropy, variability between builds, and the need for specialized materials. By exploring the necessary testing and characterization techniques, we can make more informed decisions, improve consistency, and drive continuous improvement throughout the AM process
Making reaction data machine actionable with the Open Reaction Database
Machine learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have great potential to help us truly understand chemical reaction processes. However, development of these algorithms is currently hampered by the limited availability of structured reaction data.
The Open Reaction Database (ORD,open-reaction-database.org) is an initiative to improve the state of predictive chemistry by providing a structured, open-access schema and repository for sharing reaction data. This talk will provide an introduction to the ORD Schema, an exploratory snapshot of the ORD database, and present some opportunities for data generators, data consumers, and technology vendors to get involved.
It starts with data: The UK’s AI strategy and risk taking
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