Molecular diagnostics at a crossroads with future insights from the experts
Wednesday, October 15, at 16:00 BST | 17:00 CEST | 11:00 EDT | 8:00 PDT
Molecular diagnostics is reshaping how we detect and manage infectious diseases, with far-reaching implications for both patient care and translational research. In clinical settings, rapid molecular testing enables faster, more targeted treatment decisions that can significantly improve outcomes. In research laboratories, the same technologies are unlocking deeper insights into pathogen behavior, resistance mechanisms and emerging threats.
But with every advancement comes a set of challenges. Laboratories must weigh the benefits of adopting new technologies, like improved sensitivity, multiplexing and automation, against practical considerations such as validation complexity, workflow disruption and cost. The need for reliable, adaptable quality controls becomes even more critical as assays grow more sophisticated and regulatory demands increase.
In this expert roundtable—presented in partnership with Streck—leaders from the clinical and research community come together to share their experiences navigating this evolving landscape. They’ll discuss how molecular diagnostics is driving real-world impact, how their labs are adapting to new pressures, and how thoughtful implementation of innovation can yield both scientific and operational rewards.
Key learning objectives:
- How molecular diagnostics is transforming treatment strategies for serious infections
- Risks and rewards of adopting new molecular technologies
- How quality controls are adapting to support complex, multiplexed assays and evolving regulatory demands
- Practical steps laboratories are taking to improve efficiency, ensure reliability and prepare for what’s next
Whether you're optimizing workflows, evaluating new platforms or rethinking your QC approach, this session delivers expert perspectives to help you navigate the future of molecular diagnostics.
Certificate of attendance
If you attend the live forum, you will automatically receive a certificate of attendance, including a learning outcomes summary, for continuing education purposes. If you view the on-demand forum, you can request a certificate of attendance by emailing editor@selectscience.net.
Speakers
Dr. Melissa Miller is board-certified in medical microbiology and is the Director of the UNC Clinical Microbiology and Molecular Microbiology Laboratories. In addition, Dr. Miller is the program director of the fellowship in medical and public health microbiology at UNC.
Dr. Michelle Tabb serves as Chief Scientific Officer for the molecular division of Diasorin where she leads global scientific strategy and innovation in molecular diagnostics. With over two decades of experience in clinical microbiology, molecular genetics, and assay development, Dr. Tabb has led the design and commercialization of over 30 FDA-cleared and CE-marked diagnostic assays while serving in Focus Diagnostics, Quest Diagnostics and ultimately within Diasorin. Her development experience has included real-time PCR-based platforms for infectious disease and oncohematology applications. She is co-inventor on 19 U.S. patents and has extensive expertise in nucleic acid detection technologies, regulatory strategy, and translational research.
Dr. Jacky Chow is the Clinical Laboratory Director at MultiCare Health System in Washington State, and is board certified by the American Board of Medical Microbiology. Dr. Chow’s research interests are focused on clinical microbiology, molecular diagnostics, prevention of hospital-acquired infections, test utilization and diagnostic stewardship, and laboratory automation. Dr. Chow serves as an editor of the ASM journal Microbiology Spectrum.
Dr. Chris Connelly serves as Director of Business Segment at Streck, where he leads strategic planning and execution for product development within the molecular division, supporting both research and clinical diagnostics. Since joining Streck in 2010, Dr. Connelly has contributed over 20 years of combined academic and industry experience to advancing diagnostic technologies. He holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and has held prior industry roles focused on pharmaceutical quality control and clinical trial design. His current research interests include assay development and quality assurance for infectious disease diagnostics, with a particular focus on improving the accuracy and reliability of patient results.
Moderator
