PLA2025EU Takeaways

Paperless lab academy conference 2025 europe takeaways

The PLA® Conference Europe celebrated its 12th European edition last March 2025. As always, the programme, which consisted of plenary sessions and interactive workshops, gave the audience food for thought and sparked numerous discussions during the two days of exchanges with the laboratory informatics industry.

The PLA® Conference aims to provide the framework for discussions on how to best manage data, the golden oil of any laboratory. Therefore, the speakers of the first session dedicated to this important topic introduced and developed concepts such as FAIR, Data Stewardship and Master Data Design.

PLA2025EU Takeaway: Change Management isn’t just a buzzword

Surprisingly, the panel discussion was all about people and that change management isn’t just a buzzword; shift to digital mindset determine the success in a digital transformation journey. There is a real need for effective change management programmes. Firstly, employees at all levels of the organisation need to be educated about the importance of data and the importance of managing it correctly throughout its lifecycle.

While gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of data management, the need to focus on master data and develop new approaches and new skills, such as master data designers, data stewards, etc., becomes clear.

Data stewards should become the backbone of FAIR data and high-quality data, bridging IT and science.

Last but not least, there is a need for educational initiatives on data stewardship. Universities should consider including this topic in their programmes for future lab managers and analysts.

PLA2025EU Takeaway: Users experience matters

Fact is that solution providers from the lab informatics industry also have a role to play in facilitating the digital mindset shift. User experience matters and making the tools easier to use would lead to better adoption and impact. Machine learning could be applied in many areas of laboratory processes. And of course, AI in the lab is exciting, but trust, data quality and strong governance remain top priorities.

In the numerous interactive workshops organised by our premium and gold sponsors, the presentations ranged from introducing the AI revolution in the laboratory, sharing practical approaches to realising the digital lab of the future and demonstrating the accelerated introduction of digitalised processes to presenting new solution for scheduling and planning lab activities.

PLA2025EU Takeaway: Testimonials

The feedback on this special edition of PLA2025EUROPE has been remarkable and we wanted to share some of it with you to finalise this summary.

Still energized from last week’s PLA2025EUROPE in Milan! It was an incredible opportunity to dive deep into the latest trends in data management, digital transformation, and AI in the lab. From data strategy to stewardship, governance, and FAIR data, empowering modern data ecosystems to unlock real value.Marilyne Labasque, Lead Consultant: R&D Data Steward Lead for the Pharma Industry @ ZONTAL

I had a great experience on the first day of the PLA2025 Europe! The sessions were not only highly informative but also engaging, offering deep insights into the latest advancements in paperless lab technologies. The speakers were truly inspiring, sharing their expertise and innovative ideas. The event was impeccably organized, with seamless transitions between sessions and ample opportunities for networking with industry professionals. The atmosphere was vibrant and collaborative, making it a perfect platform for learning and exchanging ideas. I’m eagerly looking forward to the rest of the conference and the valuable knowledge it will undoubtedly continue to provide! Quality Assurance Referent @ CURRENTA

PLA2025EUROPE what a conference! For me, the main takeaway: center your digitalization strategy around people. Opportunity to exchange thoughts, lessons learned and meet great people from industry who are driving digitalization. New ideas are on the way!Global Quality Control Improvements Manager at STADA Group

It was a pleasure to be presenter in the 2025 Paperless Laboratory Academy conference in Milano. Many interesting inputs and discussions in plenary sessions and workshops. SGS contributed with a new vision on Master Data Designer for IT Laboratory Solution and shared the experience on the SGS Global/Local Laboratory Digital Strategy. Alessio Tremolada, Global Laboratory Consulting & Innovation manager @ SGS

It was an absolute honour to deliver the closing remarks at the PLA2025Europe conference, wrapping up two days of discussions and demonstrations. The experience was both professionally rewarding and incredibly enjoyable, especially with the almost full attendance and active engagement even in the final session. It’s clear that master data migrations from legacy systems are a pressing concern across various industries. Thank you to PLA for the opportunity and to my colleagues to the great panel discussion.Gunnar Zoch, Global LIMS Master Data Lead @ LONZA

The final day of the PLA2025 Europe was absolutely amazing! It was so inspiring to see that, no matter where we are in the world or the size of our company, we all face the same challenges when it comes to digitalization: acceptance, cost-time factors, and the willingness to embrace change. The sessions were incredibly practical and provided some amazing solutions and strategies to tackle these issues, making them extremely relevant and valuable. The event was incredibly well-organised, and the collaborative atmosphere fostered some truly great discussions and networking opportunities. It was a fantastic conclusion to an excellent conference, and I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned. Quality Assurance Referent @ CURRENTA