Friends and colleagues – it is my sincere hope that your connection to SLAS has made your life just a bit easier this past year. For me, knowing that my Society was not only hard at work professionally to help solve an international health crisis, but available personally to help one another has been a source of great relief.
Remember those days of walking an exhibition to look for that specific product or new technology that would be just the right fit to take your work to the next level? Throughout its rich history, SLAS always has been at its best when facilitating these connections.
Last month, my message focused on the power of SLAS to drive learning within the life sciences community through our fall symposia events. This month, we'll continue conversation on that power as I review the new SLAS Micro-Credentials Program.
In-person learning always has been an SLAS strength. Our knowledgeable community takes pride in sharing what they know with others interested in expanding their technical abilities. And, time and again, those in charge of teaching others learn a lesson or two themselves through meaningful Q&A sessions, hallway conversations and additional follow up with colleagues.
It’s always been important to me to let others know when I’ve experienced something valuable. You see, I want others also to share in the good times! Serving on the SLAS Board of Directors has been extremely rewarding for me, and I’d like to invite you to consider stepping up to serve our Society.
Your schedule. Your decision. With the now all virtual format to the June 23-25 SLAS Europe 2021 Digital Conference and Exhibition, you can participate in a way that fits you. The organizing team has made several enhancements designed to deliver expert educational content, automation and innovation over screens worldwide.
We live in times of unprecedented change and opportunity. New ways and concepts in our approach to work, collaboration, processes, technologies and automation. Vivid entrepreneurship is one driving force in shaping the vision for the lab of the future and lately, our space is experiencing a lot of activity. It is very exciting seeing this momentum being created.
It is usually pretty easy to see the 'products' that come out of SLAS – conferences and symposia, journals, awards and so on. This month, I'd like to focus on another area that is a bit harder to quantify but actually may be our Society's greatest strength – the power to make meaningful connections with other individuals. These may be people that share your professional specialty or they may be those who focus on an area you would like to learn more about.
I am honored to serve as SLAS president this year – thank you for your trust in me. I also want to thank all scientists, technology providers and technology users for your contributions and efforts. You are driving science, fighting COVID-19, initiating vaccine development and acting today for a better tomorrow. Each of us is operating under new circumstances and adapting fluently as challenges continue.
