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Hot Tips for SLAS2016 from This Year’s Show Program Chair

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SelectScience® spoke to Dr Douglas Auld, Program Co-Chair of SLAS 2016, to get his expert recommendations on what not to miss at this upcoming show

22 Dec 2015
Lois Manton-O'Byrne, PhD
Executive Editor

Editorial article

SelectScience® spoke to Dr Douglas Auld, Program Co-Chair of SLAS2016 to get his expert recommendations on what not to miss at this upcoming show

Every year, the Society of Laboratory Automation and Screening invites its membership of over 18,000 scientists to “Come Transform Research” at its yearly conferences, held across the USA. SelectScience® spoke to one of the Program Chairs of SLAS2016, Dr Douglas Auld, ahead of the conference in January, to find out his hot tips for the show, and what he is hoping to see.

Within the Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Dr Douglas Auld, Senior Investigator in the Center for Proteomic Chemistry, “provides assay development, expertise, and resources for lead discovery to support drug development projects”, he explained. This ranges from target-based approaches to assays with much higher content readouts. “Some of this work is performed through academic collaborations, and as usual, there is a nice mix of academic and industrial scientists at SLAS, offering many opportunities to catch-up, and discuss possibly collaborations.”

Whether you’re looking to “hear original research, or learn about the latest technologies in drug discovery research, SLAS offers a unique mix of scientists and engineers from the life sciences”. Dr Auld pointed out the “great networking opportunities, posters sessions and vendor exhibitions” as highlights of the SLAS conferences.

New tracks for new challenges

This year, Dr Auld is particularly excited about a new track: “in addition to mainstream tracks covering laboratory automation and informatics, bioanalytical, and assay strategies, we have introduced a new track this year on cellular technologies”. If you are interested in “gene editing strategies and scaling of disease relevant cell models”, this will be the track for you.

With regards to his own research, Dr Auld and his team are developing assays “suitable for ultra-high throughput robotic systems where millions of samples can be screened”. However, he says, “new areas of investigation require novel work flows”, so he’ll be keeping his eye out for any innovations he can apply to his facility at Novartis.

Read Part Two of this interview with Program Co-Chair Dr Dino Di Carlo here.

Are you going to SLAS2016? Make sure you’ve signed up to receive our free editorial pre-show guide!

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Microplate Readers / DetectorsMicroplate readers are used to automate the detection and analysis of labeled or label-free components in microplates during assays or live-cell monitoring. Microplate readers are generally distinguished by their mode of detection. Types include absorbance, luminescence, fluorescence intensity, fluorescence polarization, TRF / FRET and multimode microplate readers. Microplate readers deliver a high throughput of samples by reading multiple wells simultaneously, with the 96-well format the most commonly used. As a result, microplate readers are often used in the drug discovery, bioassays, research and pharmaceutical industries for screening applications. Microplate loading can also be automated, with robotic microplate stackers to increase throughput. Find the best microplate readers in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Chem / BioinformaticsCheminformatics and bioinformatics are computational techniques used in chemistry and biology, respectively, for data acquisition, processing and storage. Cheminformatics focuses on compound information, whereas bioinformatics is mainly applied to analysis and modeling of genomics, genetic and sequencing information. Hardware and software is available for data acquisition, analysis, management and storage.Sample ManagementSample management systems include sample storage devices such as freezers and plate storers, sample environment enclosures and sample organization, retrieval and sorter systems. Useful system features include high-throughput, automation, robotic arms, automated liquid handling and associated database systems. Accessories in sample management include barcode scanners, heat sealers and tubes.Robotic InstrumentsRobotic instruments can be used for high-throughput automation of many lab processes. Such processes use instruments for assays like cell based assays and ELISA, for sample preparation like shakers, centrifuges and incubators, and for analysis such as sequencing and western blot analyzers. Useful features of robotic instruments include speed, reproducibility, barcode readers, software and automation.Robotic WorkstationsRobotic workstations are automated platforms enabling the user to perform high-throughput, multi-application processes, from sample preparation tasks such as PCR set-up, DNA purification and NGS library preparation, to integrated sample prep and analysis workstations. Automation makes processes consistent, fast, precise and fully walk-away. Find the best robotic workstations in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Software PlatformsSoftware platforms are useful for various stages of laboratory experiments from data collection to data storage and processing. For instance lab software is available for system control, data management, data analysis and qualification / validation.Automation Supplies / AccessoriesAutomated accessories and consumables make lab processes fast, efficient and reliable. Useful automation accessories include microplate sealers, label printers and reagent reservoirs.Plate ProcessingAutomated plate processing is used in microplate technologies for high-throughput, speed and efficiency. Plate processing systems include microplate handlers for moving plates, heat sealers, stackers and carousels for storage, retrieval and delivery, microplate washers and piercers. Useful features of plate processors include walk-away automation, compatibility and easy integration with microplate systems.Automated Liquid HandlingAutomated liquid handling equipment is used to mix, dilute and dispense allotted volumes of liquid into microplates and other vessels automatically. The robotic, liquid handling arms can dispense from single channel to 3456 multichannel as well as operate nanoliter dispensing, enabling high throughput of samples. Find the best automated liquid handlers in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.SLASThe Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) is an organization focused on laboratory automation, high-throughput screening, and biotechnology innovation. SLAS promotes scientific advancements through conferences, publications, and industry collaborations. AutomationAutomation in laboratories and manufacturing processes enhances efficiency, precision, and scalability by reducing the need for manual intervention. It plays a critical role in improving productivity, minimizing human error, and accelerating workflows in fields like diagnostics, drug development, and industrial testing. Automation technologies include robotic systems, automated liquid handlers, and process control systems that streamline complex tasks and ensure consistent, reproducible results. Explore our peer-reviewed product directory to discover the best automation solutions, compare options, read user reviews, and get prices directly from manufacturers.Genome EditingGenome editing involves altering the DNA of an organism, which holds promise for disease treatment, agriculture, and gene therapy. Techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 are revolutionizing this field, enabling precise genetic modifications. Explore genome editing tools in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Assay DevelopmentThe process of proving an assay to be sensitive with respect to the target is known as assay development. The assay should be able to characterize novel compounds and measure the potency of these compounds against a validated biological target.ScreeningUsing robotics, data processing and control software, liquid handling devices and sensitive detectors, screening allows a researcher to quickly conduct millions of chemical, genetic or pharmacological tests.Drug DevelopmentDrug development refers to the process of bringing a new drug to market.

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