By Piotr Cuber, Centre for Innovation in Genomic and Microbiome Studies, University of West London

Being part of the UK RAS STEPS initiative has been an absolutely fabulous experience from day one. I joined the community last year and was instantly swept into a welcoming, enthusiastic network of people who share a genuine passion for robotics and automation.

My first in‑person event – Elevating Automation in Liquid Handling at the Materials Innovation Factory in Liverpool – was a thrilling introduction to the community. Getting hands‑on with OpenTrons liquid‑handling systems while connecting with like‑minded specialists made the whole experience unforgettable and I knew that this was the right community for me.

Later that year, stepping onto the stage at the Technical Showcase at the Science Museum in London was a true highlight – made even more exciting when my colleague was honoured with one of the very first UK RAS STEPS Awards! That momentum only grew this March during the Automation and Engineering Biology for Plant & Microbial Systems workshop at the Earlham Institute Biofoundry, when my place was fully funded by UK RAS STEPS.

It was an incredible opportunity to sharpen my liquid‑handling skills, exchange and spark ideas, and explore potential collaborations with peers. Now, with the next workshop and the UK RAS STEPS Showcase at the National Robotarium in Edinburgh on the horizon, I am genuinely excited about what’s ahead. UK RAS STEPS has become a place where I can grow, innovate, and be part of a community that’s shaping the future of scientific automation.