Scores of speakers announced for Lab Innovations 2026 with more pending this month
More than 60 speaker slots have been created to date for this year’s Lab Innovations Show at Birmingham NEC next month, further confirmations pending.
The five themed stages will host series devoted to AI, sustainability, quality control, training and more during the two day show which runs from 4-5 November.
Keynote speakers, writer-presenter Timandra Harkness and virologist and academic Chris Smith (pictured), will headline the event with talks devoted to the scientist's role in an AI world and the causes of pandemic.
The duo will both feature at the Royal Society of Chemistry stage, with Harkness appearing on Wednesday and Smith on Thursday.
“With the pace of change and innovation across the laboratory sector showing no signs of slowing, we wanted this year’s programme to reflect that breadth,” said Adam Gough, Lab Innovations portfolio director.
“From sustainability and automation to compliance, biotech and professional development, the programme brings together practical insight across the challenges and opportunities facing laboratories today – giving visitors the freedom to build a schedule around the topics that matter most to them.”
While the RSC stage content is heavily weighted towards AI’s impact on the lab, which features throughout the conference section of the show, sustainability is the primary focus for The Future of Lab stage, sponsored by My Green Lab. On Wednesday 4 November, the venue also once again hosts the annual Lab Awards, with 13 categories including Oustanding Achievement, determined by the expert judging panel.
The Biotech stage features 14 sessions to date with contributions from AstraZeneca, Cytiva, Promega, leading researchers and others, including a 90 minute workshop from AstraZeneca. Leading companies including sponsor Sartorius, Lab Ware and Appleton Woods feature too in the Lab Live lineup of practical equipment demonstrations, with the fifth site, Quality Infrastructure, devoted to accreditation, testing and competence.
Show organiser Easyfairs earlier stated that an estimated 160 scientific suppliers and manufacturers including established names and start-ups will showcase their latest laboratory developments and equipment across sectors including life sciences, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, chemical, cleanroom and food and drink.
Further details will be available in the forthcoming edition of Laboratory News which includes a show preview of Lab Innovations. For updates on Lab Innovations speaker sessions click here.
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