From artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to staff wellbeing and cross-sector collaboration, laboratories are navigating a period of rapid change. Harriet Gould, host of the Lab Matters podcast, shares what she has learned from conversations across academia, industry, startups and the public sector. She also explains why breaking down silos, nurturing talent and keeping humanity at the center of scientific progress will be critical to the lab community’s future.
Can you introduce yourself and your role as the Lab Matters host?
My name is Harriet Gould. My professional background is in commercial development and facilitating partnerships across the science sector, which has given me an appreciation of the sheer range of people and organizations involved.
When selecting people for Lab Matters, I start by thinking about who the people listening would enjoy hearing from, then consider subjects we’ve already explored and what might follow naturally. During interviews, I try to draw out insights that might not otherwise emerge to make the conversations relatable and easy to listen to.
When you talk to people outside the science world, how do you describe the “lab community” as a whole?
I always say that Lab Matters is easy listening for the scientifically inclined if I’m talking to someone outside the science sector. What’s interesting is that almost everyone declares themselves to be scientifically inclined!
Image Credit: PeopleImages/Shutterstock.com
What common themes or challenges keep coming up across different labs in your podcast conversations?
The most recurring point is that the sector would be better off if it were less siloed and took a more holistic approach. This doesn’t suggest that intensive research in focused areas shouldn’t happen, but it does indicate how to use the results of that research to achieve the greatest impact.
Where do you see the strongest sense of shared identity across academia, industry, start‑ups and the public sector?
There is a collective sense of passion for education across industry, startups, academia, and the charitable and public sectors. Inspiring curiosity, raising awareness, and drawing out hidden talent can help people recognize that the future of science is not set in stone, therefore creating opportunities for future generations.
How are new technologies and automation changing the culture of lab work and the skills people need?
Automation, AI, and related advances are incredibly helpful tools in labs. I like to think, somewhat optimistically, they will free up humans to do the more human tasks, for example, think original thoughts! Though it is worth acknowledging that we humans will need increased skill for data interpretation and critical judgment, ie the ability to question machine-generated results.
From what you’ve heard, what actually makes collaboration between different labs or organizations work well?
Shared vision and objectives tend to lead to effective collaboration and to discovering where those shared objectives can serve as the ignition spark. Funding, of course, also plays a huge part.
Have any podcast conversations changed how you think about supporting wellbeing and retention in labs?
My conversations have reinforced my view that sometimes, progress is best supported by continuity and, in the case of scientific research, a lot of that continuity is derived from the people involved.
Again, this is an area that machines can support but not lead in. Given that, I would expect the vast majority of people running companies to recognize the value of supporting the wellbeing and retention of the people in their labs.
Looking five to 10 years ahead, what excites you most about the direction of the lab community, and what concerns you?
Advances can’t fail to excite. The process, however, is the key to advances and the one thing I want firmly at the center of all process is humanity. It can be easy to stick to data and statistics in terms of records of success, especially because that is the information easily generated, but without humanity occupying the main space, we could lose track of beneficial objectives.
From your perspective as host of Lab Matters, what role does Lab Innovations play in bringing the lab community together?
Before Lab Innovations, there wasn’t a place in the UK for the whole sector to convene to do business, share goals, get insight, and, in the case of the Lab Awards, celebrate successes. It is the one place the whole sector can be together; it’s like a master check-in to the mothership.
About the Speaker
Harriet Gould is a member of the Science Council’s Board of Trustees, an interviewer, host, chair and commercial developer in the business of science.
About Lab Innovations
Sustainability and innovation at the heart of the laboratory industry
Lab Innovations is the UK’s only event dedicated to the laboratory industry. It is the nation’s largest gathering of laboratory manufacturers, suppliers and professionals, and with the support of some of the UK’s top science institutions it has fast become the laboratory event to attend.
As an attendee you’ll be met by a line-up of over 135 leading suppliers showcasing their latest products, services and innovative new technologies. Every year 100's of products are launched at lab innovations offering you the opportunity to get first access to cutting edge solutions.
The event is complemented by a free-to-attend programme of inspiring seminars, engaging show features and numerous networking opportunities, with well-known science commentators Maggie Philbin and Steve Mould headlining the Royal Society of Chemistry theatre.
Lab Innovations 2019 announces main themes in free-to-attend conference program