Key highlights to expect from SLAS 2025

With a wide range of educational sessions, networking opportunities, cutting-edge product showcases, and insights from industry leaders, here are our picks of what attendees can look forward to at SLAS2025.

Groundbreaking scientific sessions

SLAS2025 will feature more than 100 technical sessions that dive deep into the latest research and advancements across a variety of fields, including laboratory automation, high-throughput screening, and drug discovery. Key topics include the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into laboratory workflows, advances in assay technologies, and automation solutions that are revolutionizing research processes.

Innovative products and technologies on the exhibition floor

The exhibition hall at SLAS2025 will showcase the latest innovations in laboratory automation, analytics, and high-throughput screening. Major manufacturers like Thermo Fisher Scientific, Beckman Coulter Life Sciences, Agilent Technologies, Waters Corporation, and Sartorius, alongside other key innovators in this space, will be on hand to demonstrate their newest products and solutions designed to streamline lab operations and accelerate drug discovery. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in live demonstrations and interact with experts to explore how these technologies are transforming the scientific landscape.

Exhibitor sneak peek:

• Thermo Fisher Scientific: Expect to see the latest advancements in next-gen sequencing (NGS), lab automation platforms, and data analytics solutions. Thermo Fisher Scientific will showcase its comprehensive portfolio of tools designed to improve workflows in drug discovery, from high-content screening to advanced robotic systems.
• Beckman Coulter Life Sciences: Beckman Coulter will highlight its cell analysis technologies and liquid handling systems, including cutting-edge solutions for automation and assay development. Their booth will demonstrate how Beckman Coulter products are enhancing throughput and improving precision in laboratory workflows.
• Agilent Technologies: Agilent will present a range of analytical instruments and biotechnology solutions for high-throughput screening and biomarker discovery. Attendees will also get a look at innovations in genomics and mass spectrometry aimed at transforming data integration and analysis in research labs.
• SPT Labtech: SPT Labtech will be showcasing its suite of automation instruments across liquid handling, sample management, and sample preparation designed to accelerate genomics research and enhance NGS and PCR workflows.

Inspirational keynote speakers

SLAS2025 will feature presentations from renowned leaders in laboratory science, offering cutting-edge insights into laboratory automation, AI, and data science in drug discovery. This year's featured speakers include:

• Ahmar Zaidi – Pediatric hematologist and Senior Medical Director at Agios Pharmaceuticals will discuss "The Sickle Caste: Lessons from Sickle Cell Disease on the State of Healthcare and Racial Disparities." Dr. Zaidi is known for his advocacy for sickle cell disease patients and his efforts to combat medical misinformation.
• Jesse Boehm – Chief Science Officer of Break Through Cancer and a research group leader at MIT’s Koch Institute. Dr. Boehm has extensive experience in developing patient-derived cancer models and his closing keynote session will focus on leveraging functional genomics to tackle cancer, particularly rare and underrepresented tumors.

These speakers will highlight the role of innovation in transforming the future of laboratory science, offering fresh perspectives on the potential for AI, data integration, and advanced automation in research.

Hands-on workshops and tutorials

A key feature of SLAS2025 is the array of workshops and tutorials designed to enhance practical skills in laboratory science. These sessions will provide hands-on experiences in areas like laboratory robotics, data analytics, and automation tools, ensuring that attendees leave with a deeper understanding of how to implement these technologies in their own labs.

Networking and career development opportunities

SLAS2025 is not just about the latest science; it is also a prime networking hub for industry professionals. The event offers multiple opportunities to connect with fellow scientists, engineers, and innovators, including networking receptions, the SLAS Career Connections Center, and industry roundtables. These sessions provide the perfect environment to exchange ideas, discuss collaborations, and explore career advancement opportunities. Additionally, the conference will feature a mentorship program, designed to connect early-career professionals with seasoned experts in the field.

The SLAS Innovation Award

One of the standout events at SLAS2025 is the presentation of the SLAS Innovation Award, which recognizes breakthrough technologies that have had a significant impact on laboratory science. The award celebrates the ingenuity of companies and individuals driving change in the industry, and attendees will have the chance to see these innovative products first-hand on the exhibition floor.

With its combination of world-class educational content, networking opportunities, cutting-edge product demonstrations, and insights from top sponsors and exhibitors, SLAS2025 offers an invaluable platform for laboratory professionals to stay ahead of industry trends, enhance their expertise, and make meaningful connections in the field.