Shaping the future of laboratories: insights from CheckMarks Knowlegde Platform Lab Managers (KPLM)
On Thursday the 8th of February, the life sciences and chemistry sectors came together for an inspiring congregation under the banner of “Future Lab: Paperless, Automated and Computational.” Organized by CheckMark in collaboration with Genmab NL, this knowledge session illuminated the path toward a new era in laboratory operations.
The GRDC auditorium, the venue for this transformative event, buzzed with the energy of 65 professionals from around 35 leading organizations. This gathering of minds, representing both research and routine labs, underscored the collective eagerness to navigate the future of lab operations.
Improving patient lives
The event started with Sven Hemmink, General Manager at CheckMark, setting the tone with an opening address. Following him, Genmab’s CEO, Jan van de Winkel, provided deeper insights, emphasizing the importance of innovation in achieving Genmab’s mission to improve patient lives through scientific advancements.
Enlightening sessions about AI and big data
Martijn Bosch, Director of Lab Automation at Genmab, took the stage to share his journey and achievements in lab automation. He detailed the transformative impact of integrating technologies like liquid handling capabilities, data processing applications, and AI, which have streamlined operations and enhanced assay quality and throughput.
Roberto Spreafico, Director of Discovery Data Science at Genmab, shared his pioneering work in engineering antibodies and proteins using machine learning. His talk offered a fascinating glimpse into how AI and big data are revolutionizing protein engineering, making drug development more predictive and efficient.
Arnoud Herremans, a consultant specializing in Continuous Improvement, then engaged the audience in an interactive session. This segment encouraged participants to consider their own labs’ futures, focusing on automation and big data/AI integration, encouraging a collaborative exploration of potential advancements.
Networking and lab tours
After the lectures, our visitors were taken on an exclusive tour of Genmab’s state-of-the-art automation lab, allowing attendees a firsthand look at the latest in automation technology. This was complemented by a networking session, fostering connections among attendees, speakers, and the Genmab team in a sociable atmosphere.
The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the event’s role in fostering a forward-thinking approach to laboratory management. The expertise shared by the speakers was particularly complimented, with many attendees expressing how the session inspired them to envision and work toward the lab of the future.
The future of laboratory management
This knowledge session marked a significant milestone in our journey toward more efficient, sustainable, and innovative laboratory environments. It underscored the critical role of collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange in driving the industry forward. CheckMark and Genmab are proud to have facilitated such a fruitful exchange of ideas and look forward to continuing to support the advancement of the life sciences and chemistry sectors.
We would like to extend our thanks to everyone who participated and contributed to the success of this event. Your engagement and enthusiasm are what make such gatherings invaluable. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter, more efficient future in laboratory management.
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