S-Lab 2015 Awards are open for entries

The S-Lab 2015 Awards for Laboratory Good Practice and Innovation, which recognise excellence in laboratory design, are now open, with a closing date of 12 January 2015.

The categories include design of new and refurbished laboratories, laboratory effectiveness, laboratory environmental improvement, laboratory informatics, and best new or improved laboratory product.

The Awards will be presented in conjunction with the ‘Supporting World Class Science’ conference, most likely to be held at the University of Bristol on 16–17 June 2015. This provides a unique forum for science managers, estates and facilities personnel, technical support, specialist services, suppliers and others to hear the latest developments and to network with a wider range of people than they normally encounter.

With short-listed applications ranging from the tribal college of Montana’s Blackfeet Indians to the Singapore National Research Centre, the 2014 Awards entries covered topics such as best practice design of new and refurbished laboratory facilities, the importance of technical support, application of lean production principles to laboratory practice, better chemical and sample management, sharing of equipment, environmental improvement actions, more effective use of freezers, and the growing impact of IT within both research and teaching.

According to S-Lab Director Peter James they demonstrated that 'laboratories can be improved in ways that can enhance, and release more money for, science and technology research and teaching'.

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 +44 7533 891639.