New Matter: Inside the Minds of SLAS Scientists

SLAS
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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. FEB 4

    SLAS2026 NexusXp Integration Showcases Preview

    Send us a text The NexusXp: The Connected Lab pavilion returns to SLAS2026 (Feb. 7-11), with an even sharper focus on integrative automation, seamlessly connecting devices, platforms and people to advance scientific workflows.  In this episode, we speak with each participating NexusXp Integration Showcase sponsor to preview each company’s innovative demonstration in the pavilion.  Designed to spark collaboration between vendors and researchers, NexusXp highlights real-world lab automation scenarios that blend hardware, software and human ingenuity.  See the timestamps for each course discussion below: 00:00 — Ginkgo Bioworks (Jason Kelly, PhD) 09:58 — Hamilton (Del Ray Jackson, PhD) 17:15 — Thermo Fisher Scientific (Hansjoerg Haas, PhD) 26:14 — Greiner Bio-One (Glauco Souza, PhD) Don’t wait—Register for SLAS2026 International Conference & Exhibition today! 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.  SLAS2026 International Conference & Exhibition February 7-11, 2026 Boston, MA SLAS Europe 2026 Conference and Exhibition 19-21 May 2026 Vienna, Austria View the full events calendar

    34 min
  2. Removing Unnecessary Plastics in Science (Sponsored by PulpFixin)

    JAN 20

    Removing Unnecessary Plastics in Science (Sponsored by PulpFixin)

    Send us a text Thank you to SLAS Europe 2026 Sustainability Sponsor, PulpFixin, for sponsoring this episode. In this special episode, host Emily Yamasaki, PhD, speaks with Chad Jenkins, CEO of PulpFixin, about the pervasive issue of plastics in laboratory settings, particularly single-use plastics. They discuss the environmental and health impacts of plastics, the need for alternatives, and the scientific community’s role in addressing these challenges. Jenkins showcases the innovative products PulpFixin is developing to replace traditional plastic labware with sustainable alternatives, highlighting the importance of reducing plastic use and improving recycling. Key Learning Points The reliance on single-use plastics in laboratories poses serious health and environmental risks.Innovative alternatives, such as compostable materials and paper-based labware, are emerging to replace traditional plastics.Scientists must evaluate their plastic use and adopt practices that prioritize sustainability.Local recycling initiatives and community engagement are crucial for effective waste management.About 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! 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.  SLAS2026 International Conference & Exhibition February 7-11, 2026 Boston, MA SLAS Europe 2026 Conference and Exhibition 19-21 May 2026 Vienna, Austria View the full events calendar

    20 min

  3. JAN 14

    SLAS2026 Short Course Previews

    Send us a text The SLAS2026 Short Course Program consists of 20+ courses that will provide in-depth instruction on topics, issues and techniques related to the laboratory science and technology community. Short Courses run from February 7-8, 2026. This episode features several instructors who preview their courses, including lesson highlights, takeaways, and why you should attend. Attending SLAS2026? Browse the full course program and sign up for a course here: SLAS2026 Short Course Program See the timestamps for each course discussion below: 00:00 — NexusXp: An Introduction to the DMTA Cycle in Drug Discovery 08:43 — NexusXp: Advanced DMTA Strategies for the Modern Lab 17:00 — Get the Word Out: Strategic Communication and Marketing in Life Sciences 27:30 — Introduction to Biologics Stay connected with SLAS: www.slas.orgFacebookX (@SLAS_Org)LinkedInInstagram (@slas_org)YouTubeAbout 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.  SLAS2026 International Conference & Exhibition February 7-11, 2026 Boston, MA SLAS Europe 2026 Conference and Exhibition 19-21 May 2026 Vienna, Austria View the full events calendar

    34 min

  4. 09/22/2025

    The MO:BOT from mo:re | SLAS Europe 2025 New Product Award Winner with Lukas Gaats, MBA, MSc

    Send us a text Live from SLAS Europe 2025 in Hamburg, host Emily Yamasaki, PhD, speaks with Lukas Gaats, MBA, MSc, CEO of mo:re (Modern Research) who is a winner of the SLAS Europe 2025 New Product Award. Based in Hamburg, mo:re is revolutionizing 3D cell culture automation with a modular, biology-first platform designed for organoids, spheroids, and tumor models. Lukas shares his journey from academia (studying regenerative medicine and bioprinting in Australia) to founding mo:re after identifying the need for standardized, reproducible 3D cell cultures. Frustrated by the variability in manual techniques, the company developed a modular robotic system that integrates hardware, software and wetware (biology protocols).  The MO:BOT is a user-friendly robotic and software platform that sets a new benchmark for medical research studies. It utilizes automation and AI to enhance cell survival and consistency, even in long-term studies, resulting in improved traceability and reproducibility for research and regulatory purposes. Learn more about mo:re by visiting: more.science Key Highlights: SLAS Innovation AveNEW Roots: mo:re’s 2023 debut as a prototype evolved into a commercialized platform, now backed by seed funding.FDA’s Animal Testing Phase-Out: Lukas discusses how this regulatory shift boosts demand for human-relevant 3D models.Hamburg’s Biotech Scene: An emerging hub with talent from EMBL and Fraunhofer, though still nascent for startups.Stay connected with SLAS: www.slas.orgFacebookXLinkedInInstagramYouTubeAbout 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 SLAS2026 International Conference & Exhibition February 7-11, 2026 Boston, MA SLAS Europe 2026 Conference and Exhibition 19-21 May 2026 Vienna, Austria View the full events calendar

    13 min

  5. 07/28/2025

    2025 SLAS Graduate Education Fellowship Grant Recipient | Vasu Rao, MS, PhD Candidate

    Send us a text New Matter host Emily Yamasaki, PhD, speaks with Vasumitra “Vasu” Rao, MS, PhD candidate–recipient of the 2025 SLAS Graduate Education Fellowship Grant–about his innovative research at the Jensen Lab (University of Michigan). Vasu’s work focuses on AI-driven characterization of non-model oral bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus mutans), aiming to predict microbial growth dynamics and biofilm formation using neural ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and automated high-throughput experiments. His research bridges gaps in microbiology by studying under-explored organisms beyond traditional models, such as E. coli. Potential applications include understanding cavity formation, drug discovery, and pharmacodynamics modeling. He shares his unconventional path into AI/microbiology (inspired by chess and reinforcement learning), and discusses how the SLAS grant supports his exploratory research. About the SLAS Graduate Education Fellowship Grant: This SLAS grant facilitates educational opportunities for outstanding students pursuing graduate degrees related to life sciences R&D. This program helps to realize a fundamental tenet of SLAS’s mission: to advance the fields of laboratory science and technology by nurturing the next generation of professional scientists.  SLAS will award one grant (up to $50,000) per year, for a maximum of two years, to qualified educational institutions on behalf of deserving students enrolled in a graduate program at that institution. 2026 application submissions are now being accepted! Learn More Stay connected with SLAS Online at www.slas.orgFacebookTwitter @SLAS_OrgLinkedInInstagram @slas_orgYouTubeAbout 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. For more information about SLAS, visit www.slas.org. SLAS2026 International Conference & Exhibition February 7-11, 2026 Boston, MA SLAS Europe 2026 Conference and Exhibition 19-21 May 2026 Vienna, Austria View the full events calendar

    20 min

  6. 07/21/2025

    Student Perspectives on Research, Networking and Global Impact at Scientific Conferences

    Send us a text In this episode, we look at a forward-thinking program that brought undergraduate and graduate students from Mexican universities to the SLAS2025 International Conference & Exhibition in San Diego. Host Emily Yamasaki, PhD is joined by: Cris Herrera Ramirez, a biotech engineer and U.S. Air Force veteran, who spearheaded the program to bridge the gap between Mexican academia and global research.Isabella Alvarez Kennedy, an undergraduate student in pharmaceutical chemistry from Mexico, shares her transformative experience at the conference.Key Learning Points: Breaking Barriers: Cris highlights the lack of resources and international exposure for Mexican STEM students, despite their top-tier education. His initiative with SLAS aims to provide mentorship, networking and career clarity.Eye-Opening Experience: Isabella describes how attending SLAS expanded her view of scientific careers, from witnessing cutting-edge lab automation to understanding the collaborative and multidisciplinary nature of biotech.Global Collaboration: Both guests emphasize the value of cross-border networking in solving complex research challenges and fostering innovation.Early-Career Impact: The episode highlights why undergraduate students benefit significantly from conferences—discovering their passions, building connections and gaining direction before committing to a career path.Stay connected with SLAS: www.slas.orgFacebookXLinkedInInstagramYouTubeAbout 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 SLAS2026 International Conference & Exhibition February 7-11, 2026 Boston, MA SLAS Europe 2026 Conference and Exhibition 19-21 May 2026 Vienna, Austria View the full events calendar

    33 min
  7. Beyond the Hype | Practical AI Solutions from Expert Intelligence (Sponsored by Waters)

    03/24/2025

    Beyond the Hype | Practical AI Solutions from Expert Intelligence (Sponsored by Waters)

    Send us a text Emily Yamasaki speaks with Expert Intelligence's Lalin Theverapperuma, Ph.D. (CEO), and Andreas "Andi" Krupke, Ph.D. (Science Officer), on the SLAS2025 exhibition floor. The duo shares the company's inspiring journey from being an Innovation AveNEW participant in 2023 to now, highlighting their innovative AI technology designed to automate analytical data interpretation in the biotech and pharma industries. The conversation covers their unique Limited Sample Model™ (LSM) technology and the challenges of transitioning from tech to biotech.  Thank you to our Sponsor At Waters™, we unlock the potential of science by solving problems that matter. Our software and instruments ensure the safety of the medicines we take, the purity of the food we eat and the water we drink, and the quality and durability of products we use every day. Together with our customers, in labs around the world, we deliver scientific insights to improve human health and well-being, helping to leave the world better than we found it. Stay connected with SLAS: www.slas.orgFacebookXLinkedInInstagramYouTubeAbout 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.  SLAS2026 International Conference & Exhibition February 7-11, 2026 Boston, MA SLAS Europe 2026 Conference and Exhibition 19-21 May 2026 Vienna, Austria View the full events calendar

    19 min
  8. Innovation AveNEW Spotlight | React4Life’s Organ-on-a-Chip System (Sponsored by Waters)

    03/18/2025

    Innovation AveNEW Spotlight | React4Life’s Organ-on-a-Chip System (Sponsored by Waters)

    Send us a text Emily Yamasaki, Ph.D., is joined by 2025 Innovation AveNEW participants, React4Life's co-founders Silvia Scaglione, Ph.D., (CSO) and Maurizio Aiello, Ph.D. (CEO), on the SLAS2025 exhibition floor. They discuss their company's innovative organ-on-a-chip technology, the MIVO® system, and its applications in cancer research, nutraceuticals and dermocosmetics. The conversation highlights the unique features of their platform, its potential to reduce animal testing and future directions, including scalability and AI-driven data analysis. Thank you to our Sponsor At Waters™, we unlock the potential of science by solving problems that matter. Our software and instruments ensure the safety of the medicines we take, the purity of the food we eat and the water we drink, and the quality and durability of products we use every day. Together with our customers, in labs around the world, we deliver scientific insights to improve human health and well-being, helping to leave the world better than we found it. Learn more at www.waters.com Stay connected with SLAS: www.slas.orgFacebookXLinkedInInstagramYouTubeAbout 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.  SLAS2026 International Conference & Exhibition February 7-11, 2026 Boston, MA SLAS Europe 2026 Conference and Exhibition 19-21 May 2026 Vienna, Austria View the full events calendar

    8 min
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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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