Get Involved in SLAS!

Make a Mark in the Life Sciences Community

Work alongside thought leaders in life sciences without switching jobs. List new volunteer experience on your résumé.

Give back to the life sciences discovery and technology community by volunteering your time and expertise to our dynamic, member-driven organization. SLAS provides opportunities to get involved at many different levels:

Speak at an upcoming SLAS conference. If you’re interested in sharing your research with the SLAS community at one of our future conferences, complete the SLAS Speaker Bank Submission Form. Nominations for speakers are also welcome.

Councils

Premier members are welcomed to explore a potential appointment to one of SLAS’s three councils.
Estimated Time Commitment: 20-30 hours/year

Knowledge Content and Delivery

The Knowledge Content and Delivery Council is charged with advancing the Society’s exempt purpose and strategic plan via the development and/or delivery of scientific and educational content to support the SLAS Community on a global scale.

2025 Members

Josh Kangas, Ph.D. (Carnegie Mellon University) – Chair
Elizabeth Admirand (Frontier Medicines)
David John Brierley, Ph.D. (MSD)
Bob Campbell, Ph.D. (Grove Biopharma, Inc.)
Olivier Casamitjana, M.B.A. (Evotec)
Ed Chow, Ph.D. (KYAN Technologies)
Kalpesh Gupta, M.S. (Moderna)
Claire Hur, M.S., Ph.D. (Johns Hopkins University) – Ad Hoc member
Julio Martin, Ph.D. (A4cell Nanodevices)
Transon Nguyen, M.S. (Eigen Therapeutics)
Jennifer Smith, Ph.D. (Harvard Medical School)
Herve Tiriac, Ph.D. (University of California, San Diego)

Read KCDC Charter

Membership and Engagement

The Membership and Engagement Council is charged with advancing the Society’s exempt purpose and strategic plan by identifying trends and needs in the SLAS Community and among potential customers. The MEC will direct respective committees to respond to support the SLAS Community on a global scale.

2025 Members

Steve McCoy (LabVoice) – Chair
Julianne Bryan (St. Jude Children's Research Hospital)
Kalpesh Gupta, M.S. (Moderna)
Rahul K. Nelli, Ph.D. (Iowa State University)
Steven Anthony Trim (Ventera bio Limited)
Eric Robbibaro (M4 Knick)
Jeff Martin, M.S. (Lab Sync)

Read MEC Charter

Volunteer

Committees

Premier members are invited to contribute their expertise to one of SLAS’s eight committees. Click the committee name to read the charter. Estimated Time Commitment: 10-15 hours/year

Volunteer

Community

Discover many ways to use your skills, interests and periods of availability for SLAS that do not require participation on a committee or council:

Accessibility in the Lab Initiative
If you have an interest in broadening the understanding of the importance of accessibility in the lab, we want to talk to you! SLAS is looking for experts to help build a series of products, from podcasts to panels, to ensure the SLAS audience understands the types of barriers that may be encountered in the laboratory and how to alleviate them. Examples include visual, motor/mobility, auditory, mental health, learning/cognitive or other accessibility challenges and solutions.
Estimated Time Commitment: varies depending on activity

Awards Judging Panels
SLAS hosts a variety of awards that require the review of a volunteer panel of judges. Some judging is done remotely, some is done onsite at the conferences. All of it is important and rewarding, and you get to see the best of the best!
Estimated Time Commitment: 5-10 hours/year depending on award

SLAS Journal Manuscript Reviewers
The SLAS Editorial Boards are always looking for willing, able and reliable volunteers with scientific expertise to critically assess manuscript submissions. To be considered, register as a user for the appropriate journal(s), being sure to complete your personal profile with company name and keywords (areas of expertise). Please be sure to OPT-IN.
Estimated Time Commitment: 10-15 hours/year

SLAS Discovery SLAS Technology
Short Course Instruction
SLAS considers proposals in Q3 of each year for new short courses to be presented at the SLAS conferences and throughout the year through our new program that brings the learning to an individual institution. Share your knowledge and passion – submit a proposal to design a new course or teach a course!
Estimated Time Commitment: 10-20 hours/year (including prep and teaching)

Submit a Proposal
SLAS Mentor Match Program
Mentor Match – a part of SLAS CONNECTED networking – enables one-on-one career mentoring sessions all year round. Sign up to become a mentor or mentee to advance your career and get advice and guidance in a variety of areas. Share your expertise; meet and help SLAS members at all stages of their careers.
Estimated Time Commitment: 10-12 hours/year

Mentor Match

Volunteer

Volunteer

Why our Members Volunteer

Jennifer Smith, Ph.D.

Director, ICCB-Longwood Screening Facility, Harvard Medical School
SLAS: SLAS2025 Track Chair; SLAS Workforce Accelerator Committee

“(SLAS) stands out for its exceptional ability to foster inclusivity, bringing together individuals from diverse organizational backgrounds—including industry, academia and government—and with a wide range of scientific backgrounds. SLAS has provided me with opportunities to connect with peers around the world and cultivate new professional relationships. Given the significant impact SLAS has had on my career, I am eager to give back to the organization to support its ongoing success and diversity. I am particularly inspired by initiatives like the Workforce Accelerator, which exemplify SLAS’s commitment to investing in the next generation of scientists and laboratory automation specialists.”

Ramisa Fariha, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Brown RNA Center
SLAS: Student and Early Career Committee

“Volunteering with SLAS has been a pivotal part of my professional growth in technology automation. It’s not just about networking with industry leaders—it’s about sharing your ideas and seeing them make a real impact on early career researchers. As scientists, we often spend long hours in the lab, but serving on the Early Career Committee and Knowledge Content and Delivery Council (KCDC) brings a refreshing energy to my work. Watching accomplished researchers come together, dedicating their time and expertise for a common goal, reignites my passion for science. That’s why I always encourage my students and mentees to get involved with SLAS. It’s a true playground for curious minds and tech enthusiasts!"

Sangram Parelkar, Ph.D.

Principal Scientist, In Vitro Pharmacology at Dewpoint Therapeutics
SLAS: SLAS2025 Track Chair, Ignite Award Judge

“In my view, the Ignite award provides strong scientific and mentoring support in addition to visibility on an international stage that helps advance novel technologies or solutions at early-stage companies. As an Ignite Award judge, I am excited to be part of a process that encourages groundbreaking solutions, contributes to the growth of new technologies and rewards bold thinking. Together with being a SLAS2025 track chair, I can enhance my visibility as a scientific leader, expand my professional network, create opportunities for collaboration and stay updated on the latest research and technological advances.”