SLAS 2026 Sample Management Returns October 21-22

The SLAS 2026 Sample Management Symposium hosted at Genentech will bring together sample managers and technology providers to discuss best practices, digital innovation, current trends and topics related to the expansion and demands of research facilities, including biospecimens, data analysis and more. Each year’s symposium program is unique and will address current topics and challenges. 

What You Can Expect

• 5 Scientific Sessions: Explore the latest advancements in sample management through expert-led presentations that inform, educate and deliver practical solutions.
   
• 14 Exhibitors: Engage with industry-leading technology providers showcasing their innovative solutions.
   
• Technology Snapshots: Concise, insightful technology demonstrations and solutions relevant to your needs.
   
• Networking that Matters: Build valuable connections and collaborations within the sample management community.

Science, Strategy and Solutions

Five scientific sessions will address the most pressing challenges and opportunities in sample management today. From integrating AI and automation to building robust ecosystems for multiple modalities, each session delivers actionable insights you can apply directly to your work. Subject matter experts will present strategies for modernizing your infrastructure, adopting best practices from other industries, and future-proofing your operations against unexpected disruptions.

These sessions are valuable because they’re not strictly theoretical—they’re practical. Each session will provide you with the knowledge to boost efficiency, enhance data integrity, and accelerate discovery in an increasingly complex research landscape. Attending will empower you not just to keep pace with change, but to lead it within your own organization.

Select a session below for information, including: topic description, subtopics and current speakers. 

1. The Intelligent Lab: AI and Automation Driving Next-Generation Sample Management
    
2. Building a Sample Management Ecosystem for Multiple Modalities
    
3. Infrastructure and Informatics: The Modern Backbone of Discovery
    
4. Lessons from Beyond Traditional Sample Management
    
5. Resilience by Design: Future Proofing Sample Management Operations

View All Sessions

Just Announced! SLAS 2026 Sample Management Symposium Keynote Speaker

Gaurav Agrawal, PhD

Lead, Global Engagement
(Medra)

Gaurav Agrawal, PhD, leads biopharma partnerships and engagements at Medra, which has built the Physical AI Scientist platform for life sciences R&D. Agrawal brings over eight years of experience in strategy, innovation and business development at the intersection of technology and life sciences.

Learn More

Session Previews

Have you ever wondered what goes into planning a session? Here is a special look directly from our session chairs, covering:

• What inspired their session
   
• Its significance to the sample management community
   
• Key takeaways from the session