UK RAS STEPS delivered a highly successful two‑day Automation of Liquid Handling Workshop at the University of Edinburgh’s Biofoundry, in partnership with the Edinburgh Genome Foundry.

Held on 14–15 April 2026, the event brought together more than 70 Research Technical Professionals (RTPs) from dozens of institutions across the UK, marking what is believed to be one of the first UK‑wide events of its kind dedicated specifically to RTPs working in this rapidly evolving area.

The workshop provided a unique forum for RTPs to share expertise, explore emerging technologies, and discuss the practical challenges and opportunities associated with automated liquid‑handling systems in research environments.

A Diverse and Engaging Programme

The agenda featured a strong mix of technical talks, application‑focused sessions, industry insights, panel discussions, and facility tours, reflecting the breadth of liquid‑handling automation across genomics, engineering biology, and high‑throughput screening.

Presentations explored topics such as scaling genomics through smart automation, the role of automation in molecular biology, and its application in immune response research and pathogen genetics.

Industry “Techno Bite” sessions throughout the day offered concise insights into current platforms and future developments, alongside practical considerations for moving from manual to automated workflows. Afternoon sessions highlighted real‑world applications, including high‑throughput antimicrobial screening and image‑based screening challenges, complemented by lightning talks from RTPs sharing experiences of selecting and implementing automation.

The day concluded with networking and a conference dinner at the Scottish National Gallery, providing further opportunities for discussion and collaboration.

Focus on Engineering Biology and RTP Development

Day two shifted focus to engineering biology, with contributions from multiple UK biofoundries, including the Earlham Institute, the University of Manchester, and the Edinburgh Genome Foundry. Talks covered biofoundry platforms, liquid‑handling workflows, and automated protein expression, offering attendees valuable insight into how automation is being embedded across different research contexts.

UK RAS STEPS case studies highlighted the programme’s impact on RTP development, demonstrating how targeted support can enable skills growth, confidence, and engagement with the wider research community.

A dedicated Challenges and Opportunities panel session examined the motivations and barriers to adopting automated liquid‑handling systems, particularly for laboratories with limited budgets. Panel members discussed how to identify high‑impact starter workflows, justify investment, and address training and adoption challenges, while also considering how AI and machine learning are shaping the future of laboratory automation.

The workshop concluded with guided tours of the Biofoundry and opportunities to engage directly with suppliers.

A Collaborative Effort

UK RAS STEPS extends sincere thanks to the Edinburgh Genome Foundry for hosting the event, and to industry partners Opentrons, Beckman Coulter Life Sciences, Gilson, Hamilton, Tecan, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and MBEC for their support and engagement throughout the two days.

Most importantly, thank you to all speakers, panellists, and delegates whose contributions made the workshop such a success. The event highlighted the central role RTPs play in advancing automation across UK research and demonstrated the value of creating dedicated spaces for knowledge exchange and community building.