New Matter: Inside the Minds of SLAS Scientists

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200

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May 2026

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The official Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) podcast explores advances in automation, cellular imaging, big data and what's coming in the spaces between traditional scientific disciplines. Guests often include members of SLAS along with innovators, leading experts and other members of the global scientific community to highlight technology and even career stories. Episodes are released every week and subscribe to New Matter - available on all podcast players.

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May 25, 2026Episode 20020 min

AVA™ Emulation System by Emulate | SLAS 2026 New Product Award Winner

In this episode, we're joined by Lorna Ewart, PhD, CSO of Emulate, to discuss the company's SLAS 2026 New Product Award-winning product: AVA™ Emulation System. AVA™ is a self-contained, benchtop organ-on-a-chip platform that runs 96 chips simultaneously.Lorna shares how the device was developed and its impact on drug discovery and organ-on-a-chip technology. Key Learning Points:Development of the AVA emulation systemApplications of the AVA platform in drug discoveryImpact of organ-on-a-chip technology on biomedical researchAbout EmulateEmulate, Inc. is the pioneer of Organ-on-a-Chip technology, enabling researchers to accurately replicate human tissue function and disease biology through next generation in vitro models. From target discovery to IND submission, Emulate aims to ignite a new era in human health research—one that reduces animal testing, cuts drug development costs, and accelerates the delivery of life-saving treatments. Emulate’s Organ-Chip platforms, consumables, and organ models help the world’s leading pharmaceutical, biotech, and academic teams generate human-relevant data that advance safer, more effective therapies.Stay connected with SLAS:www.slas.org | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTubeAbout SLASSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is an international professional society of academic, industry and government life sciences researchers and the developers and providers of laboratory automation technology. The SLAS mission is to bring together researchers in academia, industry and government to advance life sciences discovery and technology via education, knowledge exchange and global community building.Upcoming Events:SLAS Europe 2026 Conference and Exhibition (19-21 May 2026 | Vienna, Austria)SLAS Meet-UpsChicago, Illinois (June 18, 2026)Leiden, Netherlands (10 September 2026)Tübingen, Germany (20 October 2026)SLAS 2026 Sample Management Symposium (October 21-22, 2026 | South San Francisco, California)SLAS2027 International Conference & Exhibition (January 30 - February 3, 2027 | San Diego, California)View the full events calendar

May 18, 2026Episode 19942 min

The Thinking Microscope By Steven Finkbeiner | SLAS 2026 Innovation Award Winner

Our guest is the 2026 recipient of the SLAS Innovation Award, Steven Finkbeiner, MD, PhD, of Gladstone Institutes and the University of California, San Francisco. Steven won the prestigious award for his podium presentation, “Development and Application of AI-powered Label-free Imaging for Assays and Screening."Our discussion takes us through his lab's development of an AI-powered, label-free imaging and a closed-loop "thinking microscope" that uses optogenetics and reinforcement learning to perform thousands of single-cell experiments in a single well, dramatically accelerating research into neurodegenerative diseases and beyond.Key Learning Points:AI-powered label-free imaging for assaysDeep learning models in biomedical researchPrognostic markers and disease diagnosis using AIClosed-loop automated microscopy platformsOvercoming challenges and limitations of AI in researchStay connected with SLAS:www.slas.org | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTubeAbout SLASSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is an international professional society of academic, industry and government life sciences researchers and the developers and providers of laboratory automation technology. The SLAS mission is to bring together researchers in academia, industry and government to advance life sciences discovery and technology via education, knowledge exchange and global community building.Upcoming Events:SLAS Europe 2026 Conference and Exhibition (19-21 May 2026 | Vienna, Austria)SLAS Meet-UpsChicago, Illinois (June 18, 2026)Leiden, Netherlands (10 September 2026)Tübingen, Germany (20 October 2026)SLAS 2026 Sample Management Symposium (October 21-22, 2026 | South San Francisco, California)SLAS2027 International Conference & Exhibition (January 30 - February 3, 2027 | San Diego, California)View the full events calendar

May 14, 2026Episode 119 min

Introducing Thrive in Science: Women’s Leadership Edition

In our first episode of Thrive in Science: Women’s Leadership Edition, hosts Ginger Cooper, CEO of Summit Success Group, and SLAS Scientific Director Madeline Farley, PhD, introduce themselves, share their career journeys, and share the inspiration behind launching this new podcast spotlighting women in science. They talk about what it means to thrive in the field, the many paths to leadership, and what’s ahead in upcoming conversations. They also share where you can meet the hosts in person at SLAS Europe 2026 in Vienna, 19–21 May. Want to learn more? Check out our press release. We’re always looking to highlight inspiring women in science. If there’s someone you think should be featured on Thrive in Science, we’d love to hear from you. Please fill out this form. Stay connected with SLAS:www.slas.org | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTubeAbout SLASSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is an international professional society of academic, industry and government life sciences researchers and the developers and providers of laboratory automation technology. The SLAS mission is to bring together researchers in academia, industry and government to advance life sciences discovery and technology via education, knowledge exchange and global community building.Upcoming Events:SLAS Europe 2026 Conference and Exhibition (19-21 May 2026 | Vienna, Austria)SLAS Meet-UpsChicago, Illinois (June 18, 2026)Leiden, Netherlands (10 September 2026)Tübingen, Germany (20 October 2026)SLAS 2026 Sample Management Symposium (October 21-22, 2026 | South San Francisco, California)SLAS2027 International Conference & Exhibition (January 30 - February 3, 2027 | San Diego, California)View the full events calendar

May 11, 2026Episode 1988 min

How Collaborations Drive Lab Innovation | SLAS Europe 2026 NexusXp Flash Talk Preview (Sponsored by Agilent Technologies)

In this episode, we’re joined by Anneke Mühlebach, Director Marketing Lab Productivity Innovation of Agilent Technologies, to preview the company’s upcoming NexusXp Flash Talk at SLAS Europe 2026.The discussion explores the NexusXp theme of "the connected lab," which blends hardware, software, and human ingenuity across three levels of lab automation: guided workflows in the human-operated lab, fully automated work cells, and vendor-neutral data access. Anneke highlights Agilent's integration of hardware, software, and human factors in lab automation, real-world applications, progress through smart partnering and customer collaborations, and future industry trends. Key Learning Points:Lab productivity and automationRole of data standards and vendor-neutral formatsCollaboration with partnersCustomer-centric innovation and co-creationRegister for SLAS Europe 2026 (19-21 May | Vienna, Austria)Lean More — featuring 135+ exhibitors, keynote and podium speakers, behind-the-scenes access to a leading biotech campus, a rich networking program and more!Thank you to our Sponsor: Agilent TechnologiesAgilent supports scientists in 110 countries in cutting-edge life science research; patient diagnostics; and testing required to ensure the safety of water, food and pharmaceuticals. Our advanced instruments, software, consumables, and services enable our customers to produce the most accurate and reliable results as well as optimal scientific, economic, and operational outcomes. DE-014621 Stay connected with SLAS:www.slas.org | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTubeAbout SLASSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is an international professional society of academic, industry and government life sciences researchers and the developers and providers of laboratory automation technology. The SLAS mission is to bring together researchers in academia, industry and government to advance life sciences discovery and technology via education, knowledge exchange and global community building.Upcoming Events:SLAS Europe 2026 Conference and Exhibition (19-21 May 2026 | Vienna, Austria)SLAS Meet-UpsChicago, Illinois (June 18, 2026)Leiden, Netherlands (10 September 2026)Tübingen, Germany (20 October 2026)SLAS 2026 Sample Management Symposium (October 21-22, 2026 | South San Francisco, California)SLAS2027 International Conference & Exhibition (January 30 - February 3, 2027 | San Diego, California)View the full events calendar

May 6, 2026Episode 19719 min

Sustainability Trends in Sample Management (Sponsored by PulpFixin)

Thank you to SLAS Europe 2026 Sustainability Sponsor, PulpFixin, for sponsoring this episode.PulpFixin CEO Chad Jenkins returns to discuss the urgent need for sustainable sample management. He presents proven solutions, such as pre-barcoded tubes, standardized racks and new plastic-free alternatives like PulpFixin’s Auto-Rack and Auto-Sleeve, that can save on freezer space and costs, improve data integrity, and divert waste from landfills.Key Learning PointsLatest trends in sustainable sample managementReducing the impact of necessary plasticsHow to transition from legacy systems to new technologiesAbout PulpFixin:PulpFixin is a leading manufacturer of sustainable products and packaging. We are dedicated to eliminating single-use and other unnecessary plastics. Our expertise lies in designing and producing products and packaging from compostable or biodegradable sustainable materials to fully replace traditional plastics, and we welcome you to collaborate with us.Interested in lab sustainability? Join our Sustainability in Sciences Topical Interest Group!Register for SLAS Europe 2026 (19-21 May | Vienna, Austria)Lean More — featuring 135+ exhibitors, keynote and podium speakers, behind-the-scenes access to a leading biotech campus, a rich networking program and more!Stay connected with SLAS:www.slas.org | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTubeAbout SLASSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is an international professional society of academic, industry and government life sciences researchers and the developers and providers of laboratory automation technology. The SLAS mission is to bring together researchers in academia, industry and government to advance life sciences discovery and technology via education, knowledge exchange and global community building. Upcoming Events:SLAS Europe 2026 Conference and Exhibition (19-21 May 2026 | Vienna, Austria)SLAS Meet-UpsChicago, Illinois (June 18, 2026)Leiden, Netherlands (10 September 2026)Tübingen, Germany (20 October 2026)SLAS 2026 Sample Management Symposium (October 21-22, 2026 | South San Francisco, California)SLAS2027 International Conference & Exhibition (January 30 - February 3, 2027 | San Diego, California)View the full events calendar

April 30, 2026Episode 19631 min

eviDense UV Photometer by Beckman Coulter Life Sciences and HSE•AG | SLAS 2026 New Product Award Winner

In this episode, we're joined by members of Beckman Coulter Life Sciences and HSE•AG, Ian Shoemaker (Beckman Coulter) and Konstantin Lutze (HSE•AG), to discuss their SLAS 2026 New Product Award-winning collaboration, the eviDense UV Photometer: an on-deck module that seamlessly integrates into liquid handlers to measure optical density and absorbance - ideal for quantification and purity assessment of DNA and RNA samples.They explore the collaboration behind its development, technical features, applications in genomics and diagnostics, and its impact on automation and workflow efficiency.Key Learning Points:What led to this collaboration between Beckman Coulter Life Sciences and HSE•AGTechnical innovation in UV photometryApplications in genomics and diagnosticsAbout Beckman Coulter Life SciencesWe develop innovations for scientists by scientists, with many of our 3,300+ global colleagues coming from the laboratory with a deep understanding of today’s challenges and complexities. We’re passionate about translating science in partnership with our customers, and our customizable, accessible and sustainable solutions empower them with intuitive workflow efficiencies.About HSE•AGAt HSE•AG, we empower breakthrough discoveries in life science and diagnostics by delivering tailored, high-performance engineering solutions. From concept to market, we partner with leading companies to transform complex biological workflows into scalable, automated systems.Stay connected with SLAS:www.slas.org | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTubeAbout SLASSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is an international professional society of academic, industry and government life sciences researchers and the developers and providers of laboratory automation technology. The SLAS mission is to bring together researchers in academia, industry and government to advance life sciences discovery and technology via education, knowledge exchange and global community building.Upcoming Events:SLAS Europe 2026 Conference and Exhibition (19-21 May 2026 | Vienna, Austria)SLAS Meet-UpsChicago, Illinois (June 18, 2026)Leiden, Netherlands (10 September 2026)Tübingen, Germany (20 October 2026)SLAS 2026 Sample Management Symposium (October 21-22, 2026 | South San Francisco, California)SLAS2027 International Conference & Exhibition (January 30 - February 3, 2027 | San Diego, California)View the full events calendar

April 27, 2026Episode 19516 min

XDemics | 2026 SLAS Ignite Award Winner

XDemics is the 2026 SLAS Ignite Award winner, and we're joined by members of the team: Colin Cook, PhD (CTO & Co-Founder), Daniel Downie (Manager, Sales and Commercial Development), and Nicholas Scianmarello, PhD (VP Manufacturing), to discuss their respiring membrane technology.They discuss applications in viral vector manufacturing, cell banking, T-cell and stem cell culture, and exosome production, emphasizing compatibility with automation and the ability to scale from 96-well plates to GMP bioreactors.Key Learning Points:XDemics' respiring membrane technologyApplications in viral vector manufacturing and exosome productionImpact on cell culture efficiency and automationRecognition and future plans after winning the SLAS Ignite AwardAbout XDemicsXDemics, a Caltech spinout, is fundamentally improving the way cells are grown. We’ve addressed a primary bottleneck—the basic inability to efficiently transfer oxygen in media during cell growth.Stay connected with SLAS:www.slas.org | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTubeAbout SLASSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is an international professional society of academic, industry and government life sciences researchers and the developers and providers of laboratory automation technology. The SLAS mission is to bring together researchers in academia, industry and government to advance life sciences discovery and technology via education, knowledge exchange and global community building. Upcoming Events:SLAS Europe 2026 Conference and Exhibition (19-21 May 2026 | Vienna, Austria)SLAS Meet-UpsChicago, Illinois (June 18, 2026)Leiden, Netherlands (10 September 2026)Tübingen, Germany (20 October 2026)SLAS 2026 Sample Management Symposium (October 21-22, 2026 | South San Francisco, California)SLAS2027 International Conference & Exhibition (January 30 - February 3, 2027 | San Diego, California)View the full events calendar

April 6, 2026Episode 19419 min

Building a Greener Lab: Sustainability Trends in Life Science (Sponsored by My Green Lab)

Thank you to SLAS2026 Sustainability Sponsor, My Green Lab, for sponsoring this episode!In this episode, host Emily Yamasaki, PhD, is joined by James Connelly, CEO of My Green Lab, for a conversation about sustainability trends in life science research. Connelly provides insight into the growing adoption of third-party certifications, such as the ACT® Ecolabel and My Green Lab Certification, driven by both voluntary commitments from major pharmaceutical and biotech companies. He also highlights innovations in lab automation and waste management, and how regulations are shaping industry practices. Key Learning Points:The benefits of sustainable certifications like ACT® Ecolabel.The Impact of regulations on industry standards that labs should be mindful of. Waste auditing is a practical first step for any lab looking to understand and reduce its environmental footprint.About My Green Lab:My Green Lab is a non-profit organization with a mission to build a global culture of sustainability in science. We are dedicated to promoting safe, sustainable practices in research laboratories, while still preserving the integrity of the science.Stay connected with SLAS:www.slas.org | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTubeAbout SLASSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is an international professional society of academic, industry and government life sciences researchers and the developers and providers of laboratory automation technology. The SLAS mission is to bring together researchers in academia, industry and government to advance life sciences discovery and technology via education, knowledge exchange and global community building. Upcoming Events:SLAS Europe 2026 Conference and Exhibition (19-21 May 2026 | Vienna, Austria)SLAS Meet-UpsChicago, Illinois (June 18, 2026)Leiden, Netherlands (10 September 2026)Tübingen, Germany (20 October 2026)SLAS 2026 Sample Management Symposium (October 21-22, 2026 | South San Francisco, California)SLAS2027 International Conference & Exhibition (January 30 - February 3, 2027 | San Diego, California)View the full events calendar

February 4, 2026Episode 19333 min

SLAS2026 NexusXp Integration Showcases Preview

The NexusXp: The Connected Lab pavilion returns to SLAS2026 (Feb. 7-11), with an even sharper focus on integrative automation, seamlessly connecting devices, platforms and people to advance scientific workflows. In this episode, we speak with each participating NexusXp Integration Showcase sponsor to preview each company’s innovative demonstration in the pavilion. Designed to spark collaboration between vendors and researchers, NexusXp highlights real-world lab automation scenarios that blend hardware, software and human ingenuity. See the timestamps for each course discussion below:00:00 — Ginkgo Bioworks (Jason Kelly, PhD)09:58 — Hamilton (Del Ray Jackson, PhD)17:15 — Thermo Fisher Scientific (Hansjoerg Haas, PhD)26:14 — Greiner Bio-One (Glauco Souza, PhD)Don’t wait—Register for SLAS2026 International Conference & Exhibition today!Stay connected with SLAS:www.slas.org | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTubeAbout SLASSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is an international professional society of academic, industry and government life sciences researchers and the developers and providers of laboratory automation technology. The SLAS mission is to bring together researchers in academia, industry and government to advance life sciences discovery and technology via education, knowledge exchange and global community building. Upcoming Events:SLAS Europe 2026 Conference and Exhibition (19-21 May 2026 | Vienna, Austria)SLAS Meet-UpsChicago, Illinois (June 18, 2026)Leiden, Netherlands (10 September 2026)Tübingen, Germany (20 October 2026)SLAS 2026 Sample Management Symposium (October 21-22, 2026 | South San Francisco, California)SLAS2027 International Conference & Exhibition (January 30 - February 3, 2027 | San Diego, California)View the full events calendar

January 20, 2026Episode 19219 min

Removing Unnecessary Plastics in Science (Sponsored by PulpFixin)

Thank you to SLAS Europe 2026 Sustainability Sponsor, PulpFixin, for sponsoring this episode.In this special episode, host Emily Yamasaki, PhD, speaks with Chad Jenkins, CEO of PulpFixin, about the pervasive issue of plastics in laboratory settings, particularly single-use plastics. They discuss the environmental and health impacts of plastics, the need for alternatives, and the scientific community’s role in addressing these challenges. Jenkins showcases the innovative products PulpFixin is developing to replace traditional plastic labware with sustainable alternatives, highlighting the importance of reducing plastic use and improving recycling.Key Learning PointsThe reliance on single-use plastics in laboratories poses serious health and environmental risks.Innovative alternatives, such as compostable materials and paper-based labware, are emerging to replace traditional plastics.Scientists must evaluate their plastic use and adopt practices that prioritize sustainability.Local recycling initiatives and community engagement are crucial for effective waste management.About PulpFixin:PulpFixin is a leading manufacturer of sustainable products and packaging. We are dedicated to eliminating single-use and other unnecessary plastics. Our expertise lies in designing and producing products and packaging from compostable or biodegradable sustainable materials to fully replace traditional plastics, and we welcome you to collaborate with us.Interested in lab sustainability? Join our Sustainability in Sciences Topical Interest Group!Stay connected with SLAS:www.slas.org | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTubeAbout SLASSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is an international professional society of academic, industry and government life sciences researchers and the developers and providers of laboratory automation technology. The SLAS mission is to bring together researchers in academia, industry and government to advance life sciences discovery and technology via education, knowledge exchange and global community building. Upcoming Events:SLAS Europe 2026 Conference and Exhibition (19-21 May 2026 | Vienna, Austria)SLAS Meet-UpsChicago, Illinois (June 18, 2026)Leiden, Netherlands (10 September 2026)Tübingen, Germany (20 October 2026)SLAS 2026 Sample Management Symposium (October 21-22, 2026 | South San Francisco, California)SLAS2027 International Conference & Exhibition (January 30 - February 3, 2027 | San Diego, California)View the full events calendar