Norwich, UK – March 11, 2026

Registration is now open for Automation and Engineering Biology for Plant and Microbial Systems 2026.

This one-day workshop at the Earlham Institute will cover an introduction to Biofoundries and automation and the role they can play in engineering biology. Supported by UK RAS STEPS funding, the event will offer six fully funded places for Research Technical Professionals (RTPs) working in Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS).

The workshop will include examples of research projects and experimental workflows using automation and bioengineering for plants and microbes. Attendees will be walked through designing, developing, validating, and applying automated workflows to research, robotic platforms, and high-throughput capabilities, with a focus on the robotic platforms Opentrons and Hamilton liquid handlers.

Date: 11 March 2026

Time: 09:30 – 16:00

Location: Earlham Institute, Norwich

Cost: £75

Registration Deadline: 8 Feb 2026

Who is this event for? This workshop is for all levels of technical staff with an interest in learning about Biofoundries,  automation and applications in engineering biology.

Bursaries The UK RAS STEPS programme will fund six places for Research Technical Professionals who work in or with robotics. Bursaries will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, with one place offered per institution. All travel, accommodation and subsistence costs can be reimbursed.

To register free of charge, please email the training team detailing your eligibility as an RTP and they will provide you with the code to register free-of-charge.

For more information, please visit the event webpage.