S-Lab Awards and Conference moves to London

Published: 13-Jan-2014

The Awards recognise excellence in laboratory design, operation and management in all sectors


With energy costs rising it is imperative that labs and research facilities, whether healthcare- related, educational or commercial, work more efficiently to reduce energy consumption without compromising safety. The 2014 Conference and Awards scheme of the S-Lab initiative sets out to highlight best practice in more effective management of science facilities, leaner and more productive lab design, improved processes and workflows, enhanced technical support, and more effective use of HVAC, lighting, monitoring, IT and other technology.

Being held at King’s College London on 2-3 September 2014, this year the event offers a unique opportunity for science managers, estates and facilities, technical support, specialist services, suppliers and others from around the world to learn from each other. The full conference and workshops programme will be announced later in the year. Exhibitors will also demonstrate their latest services and technology offerings alongside the conference.

The Awards scheme is in its third year and recognises good practice and innovation from around the world in a range of areas, including design of new and refurbished laboratories, laboratory effectiveness, laboratory environmental improvement, laboratory informatics, best new laboratory product and other areas.

Past winners of the UK categories have included the university labs of Edinburgh, Liverpool, London South Bank, Loughborough, Manchester, Newcastle, Plymouth, Sheffield Hallam and St Andrews, as well as Imperial College, London; Oldham Sixth Form College and University College, London. The winners of the 2013 International categories were the New Zealand Forestry Institute and the University of California, Irvine. The closing date for applications is 3 February 2014.

S-Lab is a response to the need to create more effective laboratories arising from financial, customer, user, regulatory and other pressures. It has been mainly funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) and has its centre of gravity in universities. However, it now has growing involvement by commercial and public sector laboratories.

For more information on the Conference and Awards see www.effectivelab.org.uk or contact S-Lab Director Peter James via s-lab@istonline.org,uk or on 07533 891639.

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