Highlights from SLAS2017

SLAS2017, the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening's annual conference and exhibition, wrapped up last week in Washington, DC. I was there along with Astarte Biologics' chief scientist to showcase our latest products and answer questions about immunology research and cell products. I was very impressed by the event and the professionals who attended. The Seattle area was well-represented. If you missed SLAS2017, I recapped some of the highlights below:

3D Cell Systems

We saw a focus at this year's show on 3D technology that can help reveal more accurate and relevant information for drug discovery. These 3D technologies are exciting, but are still new and proving their utility

SLAS Innovation Award

Elodie Sollier-Christen, Vortex Biosciences

Vortex Biosciences Technology for Fast and Label-Free Isolation of Circulating Tumor Cells from Blood Cells

New Product Awards

Avidien, MicroPro 300, Automated benchtop micro pipettor

Analytik Jena, SmartExtraction, Nucleic acid extractor

Infinitesimal, Nanofountain Probe, Single cell electroporation

Women in Science

There was a refreshing focus on the impact of women in science and their impactful contributions to their fields. The closing keynote speaker, Rachel Swaby, author of Headstrong: 52 Women Who Changed Science — and the World and Trailblazers: 33 Women in Science Who Changed the World, offered an inspiring send off. It's more important now than ever to empower women in STEM and motivate future generations of female scientists! As a female owner of a biotechnology company, I appreciate the opportunity to hear Rachel speak and spread her message.

If you're planning to attend SLAS2018, it's closer to home next year at the San Diego Convention Center, February 3–7, 2018. Hope to see you there!