New Matter: Inside the Minds of SLAS Scientists

SLAS
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Life Sciences
  • Updated Weekly

The official Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) podcast explores advances in automation, cellular imaging, big data and what's coming in the spaces between traditional scientific disciplines. Guests often include members of SLAS along with innovators, leading experts and other members of the global scientific community to highlight technology and even career stories. Episodes are released every week and subscribe to New Matter - available on all podcast players.

  1. Sep 14

    Peer Review Week 2026 | Discussing the Themes with the Editor-in-Chiefs of the SLAS Journals

    In this episode, we celebrate Peer Review Week 2026 with guests SLAS Discovery Editor-in-Chief Bob Campbell, PhD, and SLAS Technology Editor-in-Chief Ed Chow, PhD, to discuss the growing pressures on peer review—rising submission volumes (especially in AI and bioinformatics), fewer available reviewers post-COVID, and the challenge of finding crossover expertise. They advocate for formalized mentorship of early-career researchers, emphasize that good reviews offer constructive paths to publication rather than outright rejection, and encourage reviewers to accept or decline quickly and prioritize revision rounds. Key Learning Points Capacity is squeezed – Submission volume is up (especially in silico/AI papers), while reviewers are more selective and reviewing less than pre-COVID.Mentorship matters – Pairwise mentor programs (PI + grad student/fellow) formalize peer review training and build the next generation of reviewers.Good reviews improve papers – The best reports give concrete, actionable suggestions and ask whether results justify conclusions—not just reject.Know your expertise – Reviewers should ask editors if unsure about fit; editors can pair a statistician with a biologist, for example.Timeliness is critical – Accept or decline quickly; revision reviews should be fast since they only assess whether authors addressed prior comments.Stay connected with SLAS: www.slas.org | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube About SLAS SLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is an international professional society of academic, industry and government life sciences researchers and the developers and providers of laboratory automation technology. The SLAS mission is to bring together researchers in academia, industry and government to advance life sciences discovery and technology via education, knowledge exchange and global community building. Upcoming Events: SLAS Meet-Ups Leiden, Netherlands (10 September 2026)Tübingen, Germany (20 October 2026)SLAS 2026 Sample Management Symposium (October 21-22, 2026 | South San Francisco, California) SLAS2027 International Conference & Exhibition (January 30 - February 3, 2027 | San Diego, California) Thrive in Science: A Women's Leadership Forum 2027 (January 31, 2027 | San Diego, California) View the full events calendar

  2. Jul 30

    Thrive in Science | AI, Automation and Authentic Leadership with Melanie Leveridge

    Join hosts Ginger Cooper and Madeline Farley as they sit down with Melanie Leveridge, Vice President of Assays, Profiling & Cell Sciences at AstraZeneca and SLAS Board Member. Melanie shares how embracing innovation, leading through change and building strong relationships have shaped her career, while offering her perspective on the future of AI, automation and what it truly means to thrive in science. Upcoming Events: SLAS Meet-Ups Leiden, Netherlands (10 September 2026)Tübingen, Germany (20 October 2026)SLAS 2026 Sample Management Symposium (October 21-22, 2026 | South San Francisco, California) SLAS2027 International Conference & Exhibition (January 30 - February 3, 2027 | San Diego, California) Thrive in Science: A Women's Leadership Forum 2027 (January 31, 2027 | San Diego, California) View the full events calendar

    Thrive in Science | AI, Automation and Authentic Leadership with Melanie Leveridge

  3. Jun 25

    Thrive in Science: Leadership Lessons from Olga Seltser

    Thrive in Science: Women's Leadership Edition In the first guest episode of Thrive in Science, hosts Ginger Cooper and Madeline Farley sit down with Olga Seltser, Head of Automation and Laboratory Technology at Dash Bio, to explore the experiences, challenges and lessons that have shaped her 25-year career in lab automation. From taking calculated risks and stepping outside her comfort zone to building trust, leading teams and navigating the evolving role of AI in the laboratory, Olga shares candid insights on leadership, communication and finding your seat at the table. Who do you want to see next?  We’re always looking to highlight inspiring women in science. If there’s someone you think should be featured on Thrive in Science, we’d love to hear from you. Please fill out this form. Stay connected with SLAS: www.slas.org | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube About SLAS SLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is an international professional society of academic, industry and government life sciences researchers and the developers and providers of laboratory automation technology. The SLAS mission is to bring together researchers in academia, industry and government to advance life sciences discovery and technology via education, knowledge exchange and global community building. Upcoming Events: SLAS Meet-Ups Leiden, Netherlands (10 September 2026)Tübingen, Germany (20 October 2026)SLAS 2026 Sample Management Symposium (October 21-22, 2026 | South San Francisco, California) SLAS2027 International Conference & Exhibition (January 30 - February 3, 2027 | San Diego, California) Thrive in Science: A Women's Leadership Forum 2027 (January 31, 2027 | San Diego, California) View the full events calendar

    Thrive in Science: Leadership Lessons from Olga Seltser

  4. May 25

    AVA™ Emulation System by Emulate | SLAS 2026 New Product Award Winner

    In this episode, we're joined by Lorna Ewart, PhD, CSO of Emulate, to discuss the company's SLAS 2026 New Product Award-winning product: AVA™ Emulation System. AVA™ is a self-contained, benchtop organ-on-a-chip platform that runs 96 chips simultaneously. Lorna shares how the device was developed and its impact on drug discovery and organ-on-a-chip technology.  Key Learning Points: Development of the AVA emulation systemApplications of the AVA platform in drug discoveryImpact of organ-on-a-chip technology on biomedical researchAbout Emulate Emulate, Inc. is the pioneer of Organ-on-a-Chip technology, enabling researchers to accurately replicate human tissue function and disease biology through next generation in vitro models. From target discovery to IND submission, Emulate aims to ignite a new era in human health research—one that reduces animal testing, cuts drug development costs, and accelerates the delivery of life-saving treatments. Emulate’s Organ-Chip platforms, consumables, and organ models help the world’s leading pharmaceutical, biotech, and academic teams generate human-relevant data that advance safer, more effective therapies. Stay connected with SLAS: www.slas.org | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube About SLAS SLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is an international professional society of academic, industry and government life sciences researchers and the developers and providers of laboratory automation technology. The SLAS mission is to bring together researchers in academia, industry and government to advance life sciences discovery and technology via education, knowledge exchange and global community building. Upcoming Events: SLAS Meet-Ups Leiden, Netherlands (10 September 2026)Tübingen, Germany (20 October 2026)SLAS 2026 Sample Management Symposium (October 21-22, 2026 | South San Francisco, California) SLAS2027 International Conference & Exhibition (January 30 - February 3, 2027 | San Diego, California) Thrive in Science: A Women's Leadership Forum 2027 (January 31, 2027 | San Diego, California) View the full events calendar

  5. May 18

    The Thinking Microscope By Steven Finkbeiner | SLAS 2026 Innovation Award Winner

    Our guest is the 2026 recipient of the SLAS Innovation Award, Steven Finkbeiner, MD, PhD, of Gladstone Institutes and the University of California, San Francisco. Steven won the prestigious award for his podium presentation, “Development and Application of AI-powered Label-free Imaging for Assays and Screening." Our discussion takes us through his lab's development of an AI-powered, label-free imaging and a closed-loop "thinking microscope" that uses optogenetics and reinforcement learning to perform thousands of single-cell experiments in a single well, dramatically accelerating research into neurodegenerative diseases and beyond. Key Learning Points: AI-powered label-free imaging for assaysDeep learning models in biomedical researchPrognostic markers and disease diagnosis using AIClosed-loop automated microscopy platformsOvercoming challenges and limitations of AI in researchStay connected with SLAS: www.slas.org | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube About SLAS SLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is an international professional society of academic, industry and government life sciences researchers and the developers and providers of laboratory automation technology. The SLAS mission is to bring together researchers in academia, industry and government to advance life sciences discovery and technology via education, knowledge exchange and global community building. Upcoming Events: SLAS Meet-Ups Leiden, Netherlands (10 September 2026)Tübingen, Germany (20 October 2026)SLAS 2026 Sample Management Symposium (October 21-22, 2026 | South San Francisco, California) SLAS2027 International Conference & Exhibition (January 30 - February 3, 2027 | San Diego, California) Thrive in Science: A Women's Leadership Forum 2027 (January 31, 2027 | San Diego, California) View the full events calendar

  6. May 14

    Introducing Thrive in Science: Women’s Leadership Edition

    In our first episode of Thrive in Science: Women’s Leadership Edition, hosts Ginger Cooper, CEO of Summit Success Group, and SLAS Scientific Director Madeline Farley, PhD, introduce themselves, share their career journeys, and share the inspiration behind launching this new podcast spotlighting women in science.  They talk about what it means to thrive in the field, the many paths to leadership, and what’s ahead in upcoming conversations. They also share where you can meet the hosts in person at SLAS Europe 2026 in Vienna, 19–21 May.  Want to learn more? Check out our press release.  We’re always looking to highlight inspiring women in science. If there’s someone you think should be featured on Thrive in Science, we’d love to hear from you. Please fill out this form. Stay connected with SLAS: www.slas.org | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube About SLAS SLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is an international professional society of academic, industry and government life sciences researchers and the developers and providers of laboratory automation technology. The SLAS mission is to bring together researchers in academia, industry and government to advance life sciences discovery and technology via education, knowledge exchange and global community building. Upcoming Events: SLAS Meet-Ups Leiden, Netherlands (10 September 2026)Tübingen, Germany (20 October 2026)SLAS 2026 Sample Management Symposium (October 21-22, 2026 | South San Francisco, California) SLAS2027 International Conference & Exhibition (January 30 - February 3, 2027 | San Diego, California) Thrive in Science: A Women's Leadership Forum 2027 (January 31, 2027 | San Diego, California) View the full events calendar

    Introducing Thrive in Science: Women’s Leadership Edition

  7. May 11

    How Collaborations Drive Lab Innovation | SLAS Europe 2026 NexusXp Flash Talk Preview (Sponsored by Agilent Technologies)

    In this episode, we’re joined by Anneke Mühlebach, Director Marketing Lab Productivity Innovation of Agilent Technologies, to preview the company’s upcoming NexusXp Flash Talk at SLAS Europe 2026. The discussion explores the NexusXp theme of "the connected lab," which blends hardware, software, and human ingenuity across three levels of lab automation: guided workflows in the human-operated lab, fully automated work cells, and vendor-neutral data access. Anneke highlights Agilent's integration of hardware, software, and human factors in lab automation, real-world applications, progress through smart partnering and customer collaborations, and future industry trends.  Key Learning Points: Lab productivity and automationRole of data standards and vendor-neutral formatsCollaboration with partnersCustomer-centric innovation and co-creationRegister for SLAS Europe 2026 (19-21 May | Vienna, Austria) Lean More — featuring 135+ exhibitors, keynote and podium speakers, behind-the-scenes access to a leading biotech campus, a rich ­networking program and more! Thank you to our Sponsor: Agilent Technologies Agilent supports scientists in 110 countries in cutting-edge life science research; patient diagnostics; and testing required to ensure the safety of water, food and pharmaceuticals. Our advanced instruments, software, consumables, and services enable our customers to produce the most accurate and reliable results as well as optimal scientific, economic, and operational outcomes. DE-014621  Stay connected with SLAS: www.slas.org | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube About SLAS SLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is an international professional society of academic, industry and government life sciences researchers and the developers and providers of laboratory automation technology. The SLAS mission is to bring together researchers in academia, industry and government to advance life sciences discovery and technology via education, knowledge exchange and global community building. Upcoming Events: SLAS Meet-Ups Leiden, Netherlands (10 September 2026)Tübingen, Germany (20 October 2026)SLAS 2026 Sample Management Symposium (October 21-22, 2026 | South San Francisco, California) SLAS2027 International Conference & Exhibition (January 30 - February 3, 2027 | San Diego, California) Thrive in Science: A Women's Leadership Forum 2027 (January 31, 2027 | San Diego, California) View the full events calendar

    How Collaborations Drive Lab Innovation | SLAS Europe 2026 NexusXp Flash Talk Preview (Sponsored by Agilent Technologies)

  8. May 6

    Sustainability Trends in Sample Management (Sponsored by PulpFixin)

    Thank you to SLAS Europe 2026 Sustainability Sponsor, PulpFixin, for sponsoring this episode. PulpFixin CEO Chad Jenkins returns to discuss the urgent need for sustainable sample management. He presents proven solutions, such as pre-barcoded tubes, standardized racks and new plastic-free alternatives like PulpFixin’s Auto-Rack and Auto-Sleeve, that can save on freezer space and costs, improve data integrity, and divert waste from landfills. Key Learning Points Latest trends in sustainable sample managementReducing the impact of necessary plasticsHow to transition from legacy systems to new technologiesAbout PulpFixin: PulpFixin is a leading manufacturer of sustainable products and packaging. We are dedicated to eliminating single-use and other unnecessary plastics. Our expertise lies in designing and producing products and packaging from compostable or biodegradable sustainable materials to fully replace traditional plastics, and we welcome you to collaborate with us. Interested in lab sustainability? Join our Sustainability in Sciences Topical Interest Group! Register for SLAS Europe 2026 (19-21 May | Vienna, Austria) Lean More — featuring 135+ exhibitors, keynote and podium speakers, behind-the-scenes access to a leading biotech campus, a rich ­networking program and more! Stay connected with SLAS: www.slas.org | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube About SLAS SLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is an international professional society of academic, industry and government life sciences researchers and the developers and providers of laboratory automation technology. The SLAS mission is to bring together researchers in academia, industry and government to advance life sciences discovery and technology via education, knowledge exchange and global community building.  Upcoming Events: SLAS Meet-Ups Leiden, Netherlands (10 September 2026)Tübingen, Germany (20 October 2026)SLAS 2026 Sample Management Symposium (October 21-22, 2026 | South San Francisco, California) SLAS2027 International Conference & Exhibition (January 30 - February 3, 2027 | San Diego, California) Thrive in Science: A Women's Leadership Forum 2027 (January 31, 2027 | San Diego, California) View the full events calendar

    Sustainability Trends in Sample Management (Sponsored by PulpFixin)
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About

The official Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) podcast explores advances in automation, cellular imaging, big data and what's coming in the spaces between traditional scientific disciplines. Guests often include members of SLAS along with innovators, leading experts and other members of the global scientific community to highlight technology and even career stories. Episodes are released every week and subscribe to New Matter - available on all podcast players.

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