Explore the Agenda
8:00 am Morning Coffee & Check-in
8:55 am Chair’s Opening Remarks
Automation, AI & Emerging Technologies, Unlocking Efficiency & Insight in Lab Operations
9:00 am Identifying Workflows Ready for Automation to Streamline Lab Operations
- Understand how to assess operational processes for automation potential and efficiency gains
- Learn techniques to reduce repetitive manual tasks without disrupting scientific workflows
- Gain practical tools to plan, pilot, and scale automation initiatives across multiple sites
9:30 am Equipment Utilization, CapEx Decisions, and Hidden Capacity: What 12 Million Equipment Bookings Reveal About R&D Lab Operations
- In this session, we’ll look under the hood of more than 12 million equipment bookings across thousands of R&D labs, revealing how equipment utilisation really works in practice
- We’ll explore the gap between perceived and actual demand, how capacity is obscured when bookings lack ownership, and why many CapEx decisions are made with incomplete or misleading signals
- Using real-world patterns from enterprise R&D labs, we’ll show how booking data becomes a critical input for understanding utilisation and avoiding unnecessary purchases
9:40 am Scaling Laboratory Automation Through Modular Design to Future-Proof Growing R&D Teams
- Practical strategies for scaling lab automation as organizations grow without disrupting active research
- Modular automation approaches to maintain flexibility and adapt workflows as scientific priorities evolve
- Drive successful adoption by partnering with bench scientists to optimize processes before and after automation implementation
10:10 am Morning Break & Networking
11:00 am Harnessing AI in Lab Operations to Solve Real-World Challenges
- Explore practical AI applications that are already delivering value in lab operations, from predictive maintenance to workflow optimisation
- Learn strategies for overcoming siloed data systems and integrating AI tools into existing operational environments
- Gain insight into evaluating which processes are ready for AI and how to prioritise implementation for maximum impact
11:30 am Leveraging Lab Operations to Drive Measurable Resource and Financial Savings Through My Green Lab Certification
- Examine common sources of friction between scientists and lab ops teams and how to proactively address them
- Learn effective approaches for educating scientists on operational constraints, safety, and compliance requirements
- Gain communication strategies that drive behavioural change without slowing scientific progress
Asset Management & Centralization, Driving Efficiency, Visibility, & Scientist Engagement at Scale
11:40 am Optimizing Equipment Lifespan & Utilization Through Effective Life Cycle Management
- Explore methods to extend the productive lifespan of critical lab equipment while reducing unplanned downtime
- Learn approaches for preventative maintenance, predictive analytics, and utilization tracking
- Understand how life cycle management contributes to cost savings, compliance, and uninterrupted scientific workflows
12:10 pm Making the Most of Your Lab Assets
- Understand the factors that influence equipment value
- Avoid common mistakes that can reduce recovery
- Build a smarter surplus strategy to maximize return
12:20 pm Bridging the Gap: Practical Tools that Connect Lab Ops & Research Teams
- Implement practical tools such as QR codes and ticketing systems to streamline lab support requests
- Leverage integrated Lab Information Management System platforms to manage facilities requests, inventory, and asset tracking in one place
- Using these emerging tools to improve communication between lab ops and research teams to reduce lost requests and accelerate turnaround times
12:50 pm Lunch Break
1:45 pm Driving Scientist Engagement & Buy-In for Inventory & Asset Management Systems
- Understand common barriers scientists face in adopting new systems and processes
- Learn communication and change-management strategies to improve compliance and adoption
- Gain techniques to align scientist priorities with operational goals, ensuring reliable data and efficient workflows
2:15 pm Managing Shutdowns, Decommissioning, & Equipment Rehoming to Minimize Risk & Maximize Sustainability
- Understand best practices for planning and executing lab shutdowns and decommissioning activities
- Learn how structured equipment rehoming can reduce waste, cost, and environmental impact
- Explore the EHS and sustainability benefits of proactive asset and end-of-life planning
Safety, Compliance & Sustainability, Driving Responsible Operations Under Budget Pressure
2:45 pm Panel Discussion: Spending With Intention: Strategic Decision-Making for Lab Ops & Facilities Leaders in 2026
- Explore how leaders prioritize spend to maximize operational impact while staying within budget constraints
- Learn strategies for aligning investments with scientific priorities, regulatory obligations, and long-term operational goals
- Gain insights from real-world case studies to make informed, intentional decisions in resource-constrained environments
3:15 pm Afternoon Break
3:45 pm Maintaining a High-Impact Safety Culture During Cost Cutting
- Understand how to preserve high safety standards and compliance during periods of budget reduction
- Learn practical approaches to reinforce safe behaviors and accountability across teams through implementing safety councils to discuss initiatives.
- Gain strategies to protect people, science, and institutional reputation without increasing costs
4:15 pm Leveraging Data to Strengthen Safety, Compliance, & Risk Management
- Learn how to leverage operational data to monitor incidents, training, and regulatory compliance
- Understand how analytics can proactively identify risks and prevent costly errors
- Gain tools to improve visibility, accountability, and continuous improvement across lab operations