SLAS Conference and Exhibition

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about SLAS

1. What is SLAS, and why is it important to the life sciences community?

The Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) is a global professional organization that brings together scientists, engineers, technology developers, and industry leaders working in laboratory automation, drug discovery, screening, diagnostics, and related life science fields. SLAS supports innovation through scientific publications, educational programs, networking opportunities, and internationally recognized conferences that showcase emerging technologies and research.

2. What is the SLAS International Conference and Exhibition in the United States?

The SLAS International Conference and Exhibition is the organization's flagship annual event in the United States. It attracts researchers, laboratory technology providers, pharmaceutical companies, biotech innovators, and academic institutions from around the world. The conference features scientific presentations, technology demonstrations, networking opportunities, product launches, and discussions on laboratory automation, artificial intelligence, drug discovery, and screening technologies.

Why attend?

• Discover the latest laboratory automation technologies
• Learn about advances in drug discovery and screening
• Network with global scientific and industry leaders
• Explore innovative products and start-up solutions
• Gain insights into future trends shaping life sciences research

3. What is SLAS Europe, and how does it differ from the US conference?

SLAS Europe Conference and Exhibition is the society's annual European event, bringing together the European life sciences and laboratory technology community. While it shares the same scientific focus as the US event, SLAS Europe emphasizes regional research, collaboration opportunities, and technology developments relevant to European laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology organizations, and academic institutions. SLAS Europe's programming is typically organized around three core themes:

• Advances in Drug Discovery
• Advances in Laboratory Automation
• Screening Applications and Diagnostics

4. Who should attend SLAS annual conferences?

SLAS events are designed for a broad range of life science professionals, including:

• Laboratory automation specialists
• Drug discovery scientists
• Diagnostic researchers
• Screening and assay development experts
• Bioinformatics and AI researchers
• Pharmaceutical and biotechnology professionals
• Academic investigators and students
• Instrumentation and technology providers

The conferences provide opportunities to present research, explore new technologies, attend educational sessions, participate in poster presentations, and connect with potential collaborators and vendors.

5. What trends and innovations are typically highlighted at SLAS US and European events?

SLAS conferences are widely recognized for showcasing cutting-edge developments in life sciences and laboratory technology. Recent events have highlighted topics such as:

• Artificial intelligence in drug discovery
• Digital laboratory orchestration
• Laboratory automation and robotics
• High-throughput screening technologies
• Precision medicine approaches
• Diagnostics innovation
• Advanced data analytics and informatics
• Emerging biotech start-ups through Innovation AveNEW programs

These events provide attendees with early access to new technologies, scientific breakthroughs, and industry perspectives that are shaping the future of laboratory research and healthcare innovation.