Lab Awards for the brightest and the best

Photos to follow soon but in the meantime, here are our 2024 winners for the awards which are hosted jointly by Lab innovations and Laboratory News:

Outstanding Achievement

Laurence Dawkins-Hall – Applicant Support Mentor

Shortlisted in recent years for another category –  Lab Technician of the Year – Dawkins-Hall’s continued contribution to the industry through his work with the Science Council and Royal Society of Biology was responsible for him winning Outstanding Achievement.
Judges remarked he appeared a very committed and hard-working individual and a leader among lab technicians, who had made a significant impact.

Laboratory of the Year

Carcinotech

The firm’s development of a 3D-bioprinting system was praised by judges, who highlighted the company's use of leading-edge technologies and professional processes to translate a clinical concept into a fully funded company and operation. Additionally, the judges appreciated Carcinotech's potential to aid therapeutic development.

Sustainable Lab of the Year

University of Exeter: Centre of Resilience in Environment in Water and Work (CREWW).

The judges were impressed by the CREWW Labs nomination, saying their exceptional sustainability initiatives and rapid LEAF Gold achievement demonstrated industry leadership, with their sustainability initiatives setting a high standard.

Lab Technician of the Year – sponsored by SLS

Graham Hickman from Nottingham Trent University

Graham was recognised for the leadership and technical expertise that he provides: "His leadership and technical expertise stand out" and he "has exceeded the typical role of a technician by championing imaging services".

Rising Star – sponsored by Johnsons Laboratory Logistics

Olusegun Olayemi – Bradford Teaching Hospital

Olusegun’s worked has helped enhance the work of Bradford Teaching Hospital, both at a national and international level, said the panel:

"Olusegun appears to be having a strong impact on his institution, and internationally, so is indeed a star on the rise. His exceptional initiatives and local impact demonstrate outstanding talent and promise.”

Supplier excellence – sponsored by RSC

Scientific Laboratory Supplies’ (SLS) new distribution centre.

Judges highlighted the site at Fairham Business Park’s innovation and capacity improvements. They also praised the team's ability to maximise customer satisfaction and their focus on sustainability.

Best Sustainable Innovation

Clean Air Ltd – eliminating SFG from Lab Fume Cupboard Supply Chain.

"It is an outstanding solution to a very important problem, they are worthy recipients of their grant from Innovate UK and they are worthy Lab Award winners!”

Best Technology Innovation

Thermo Fisher Scientific

TFS’s stellar mass spectrometer win was “fully deserved among tough competition.”

Recognised for being an impressive innovation with clear real-world applications, the entry was judged to effectively demonstrate the impact and importance of technology in labs.

Best Automation & Data Innovation

• DeSci Labs
• Syensqo

There was acclaim for the innovative way in which DeSci Labs has deployed Web3 technology to build a peer-to-peer open science publishing infrastructure. This platform increases efficiency, reduces duplication of effort, and allows scientists to access material without paywalls, addressing key issues in modern scientific publishing.

Sadie Zellem from Syensqo was praised for significant improvements in data management and efficiency through LIMS implementation, with Syensqo seen as a leader in the complex area of data integration and lab communication. The judges also appreciated the standardisation of processes and enhanced analytics across all labs.

Best Consumables Innovation

Lab Cycle Petri Dishes

LabCycle’s product,  made from 100% recycled polystyrene, was described as an impressive innovation in sustainable laboratory consumables. This solution greatly contributes to environmental sustainability and exemplifies the circular economy in action within research labs.

Best Collaborative Project – sponsored by Innovate UK

AstraZeneca Discovery Centre (DISC, Cambridge

“This project showcases exceptional collaboration on a grand scale, successfully bringing together diverse teams and resources to establish the Discovery Centre (DISC). The use of innovative solutions to overcome logistical challenges, reduce environmental impact, and optimize laboratory operations is commendable”

Commitment to skills and training

• Louise Carney, Bruntwood senior health safety and risk manager
• Element Lab Solutions’ CHROMacademy

Judges remarked on Carney’s personal dedication to upskilling individuals within the workforce, as well as Element’s role in skills and staff training over the past 20 years.