A special look at SLAS Europe Conference

The Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) will unite the European life sciences and laboratory technology community in Vienna, Austria, 19–21 May 2026, for the SLAS Europe 2026 Conference & Exhibition.

The 2026 conference features three scientific tracks: Advances in Drug Discovery, Advances in Laboratory Automation, and Screening Applications & Diagnostics. Each track is comprised of four sessions led by subject-matter experts drawn from leading academic and industry institutions across Europe. All session times and locations are available at slas.org/europe2026-schedule.

Abstract submissions are still being accepted for poster presentations until Monday, 27 April. SLAS invites research scientists, engineers, academics, students and business leaders to submit an abstract. The SLAS Europe conference offers highly interactive platforms to showcase work, engage in detailed discussions with delegates, and network with diverse professionals across the European life sciences.

The conference will open with a keynote address from Willem Mulder, PhD, Professor of Precision Medicine at Radboud University Medical Center and Eindhoven University of Technology. As a biomedical engineer, inventor, and entrepreneur, Mulder reflects the diverse SLAS community and will undoubtedly challenge and inspire all in attendance to continue shaping the future of life sciences.

The highly anticipated Technology Provider Showcase will take place on Tuesday, 19 May, at the Vienna BioCenter – co-hosted by Vienna BioCenter Core Facilities (VBCF) GmbH. The Vienna BioCenter campus is home to seven research institutions, 2,000 scientists, and 42 biotech startups, making it one of Europe’s most dynamic life sciences ecosystems.

Two half-day sessions are available (morning and afternoon), each with limited space, creating a unique and intimate experience. Both sessions open with a presentation from VBCF, followed by talks from a curated selection of innovative companies and startups:

• Akribes Biomedical – utilising protein barcodes to personalise wound treatment.
• Myllia – using CRISPR perturbations and single-cell sequencing for drug target screening.
• Chan:Pharma – will showcase their automated patch-clamp system.
• BioNTech Austria – will present their antibiotic drug screening platform.

Stefan Kubicek, PhD, from the Centre for Molecular Medicine (CeMM), will also present his automated small-molecule screening platform. Early registration is strongly encouraged as spaces are strictly limited. Learn more by visiting slas.org/europe2026-showcase.

The conference exhibition will feature over 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest technologies, services and products driving innovation in lab automation and life sciences. Delegates will have dedicated time to explore new product demonstrations, exhibitor tutorials, and Solutions Spotlight and SLAS Ignite Theater presentations, as well as visit the 12 emerging start-up companies in the Innovation AveNEW area. Daily social events and meals will offer numerous opportunities for networking and collaboration in a relaxed atmosphere.

Early registration for SLAS Europe 2026 is open, with several options and rates available, including full-conference, exhibition-only, student rate, and more. Visit slas.org/europe2026 for complete conference details and to register for the Vienna conference.

Ahead of the conference, SLAS will host a free, regional networking event for the life sciences community to connect. Catch the SLAS Meet-Up at ETH Zürich in Basel, Switzerland, (30 April) just ahead of Swiss Biotech Days. This gathering will offer excellent opportunities to build connections across the European life sciences community. Visit slas.org/events-calendar to register for an upcoming Meet-Up.