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

Interested to know which are the next editions? Remain in the know by subscribing to our newsletters.

Next coming edition in 2025:

PLA2025USA | Orlando | October

PLA2025India | Hyderabad | November

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[Madrid, February 7^th, 2025] – Paperless Lab Academy® is proud to announce a groundbreaking collaboration with 20/15 Visioneers, a leader in digital+ transformation and innovation in labs.

This exciting partnership aims to elevate upcoming Paperless Lab Academy® conferences by combining industry expertise, shared commitment to advancing digital technologies in the lab, promoting seamless integration and supporting change management by fostering a digital mindset while complying with industry regulations.

A New Era of Digital Transformation for Laboratories

This collaboration will bring together thought leaders, innovators and technology experts in the field of laboratory digitization to discuss all related topics, with a focus on scientific informatics and scientific data management to help laboratories embrace the latest trends, solutions and best practices.

The PLA® conference has built a reputation for high quality content and active networking with the laboratory informatics industry and has expanded internationally with editions in Europe, India and the USA… “We are thrilled to join forces with 20/15 Visioneers and pool our collective expertise in laboratory automation and digitalization to support the expansion of the PLA® Conferences and reach every laboratory in every industry,” comments Isabel Muñoz-Willery Ph.D., founder and owner of NL42 Consulting, owner and event director of the PLA® Conferences.

20/15 Visioneers has built a global reputation for its virtual events, superior scientific content generation, and new Pathfinders™ outdoor networking offering.  If there was any scientific or laboratory informatics-oriented conference in the world, it would be the PLA®.  “We are excited about this synergistic endeavour and look forward to expanding its reach and excellence in networking and knowledge sharing,” says John F. Conway, Founder and Chief Visioneer Officer at 20/15 Visioneers

About 20/15 Visioneers

20/15 Visioneers is at the forefront of the laboratory technology revolution, specializing in delivering high-impact solutions for digitalizing laboratory operations. It is committed to helping labs harness the full potential of their data, achieve insilico-first, and leverage its model quality data for more and faster insights. 20/15 Visioneers brings innovative tools and a visionary approach to laboratory transformation, focusing on enhancing data integrity, streamlining workflows, and driving measurable results.

Press Contact: John F. Conway
Founder and Chief Visioneer Officer

20/15 Visioneers
www.20visioneers15.com
john@20visioneers15.com

About Paperless Lab Academy® Conferences

Paperless Lab Academy® is an internationally recognized conference series that brings together laboratory professionals and technology innovators to explore the intersection of digital transformation, automation, and compliance in the laboratory environment. The PLA’s mission is to provide actionable insights, practical solutions, and a platform for collaboration among the world’s leading experts in laboratory digitization.

The Paperless Lab Academy® is owned and organised by NL42 consulting, an independent consultancy firm whose services focus on the digitalisation of laboratory and quality processes.  At NL42, we believe that discussions at the PLA® Conferences should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their experience and stage of their digital transformation journey.

For more information on Paperless Lab Academy® and to register for upcoming events, visit www.paperlesslabacademy.com

Press Contact: Isabel Muñoz-Willery Ph.D.
Owner and Event Director
Paperless Lab Academy®
isabel.munoz@NL42.com

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However, to create a truly digital lab, it is not enough to implement advanced technologies, but a thoughtful balance between the people, processes and systems that form the basis of lab operations is required.

This special session at the 12th edition of the PLA® Conference Europe (March, Milan) will address the many challenges encountered on the road to digitalisation. From user adoption and adapting organisational culture to rethinking processes for maximum efficiency and ensuring that systems, instruments and data streams— are seamlessly connected, every aspect is critical to success.

We would like to thank Bob McDowall, Christine Mladek and Jens Donath for leading this session with strong presentations, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Isabel Muñoz-Willery.

Digitalisation & Strategy for Interfacing

Christine Mladek, Head of Global QC Network Management at Boehringer Ingelheim will share her extensive experience about cooperating and collaborating for successful digitalisation projects.

The digitalisation of quality control laboratories requires effective communication and collaboration between IT, Quality Management and Users.  This collaborative approach ensures alignment on project timelines, optimises resource utilisation, minimises transition tome, streamlines implementation and promotes continual improvement. Key factors for success include adherence to lab equipment standards, process standardisation, user-adapted trainings, submission changes and behavioural transformation.  Support from management, process/system owners and a robust governance structure are essential for the successful transformation.

People at the Core: Overcoming challenges and unlocking opportunities in digital lab transformation

Jens Donath, Head Project Management Quality at Lonza will highlight the critical role of people in achieving a successful transition to a paperless lab. He will  emphasizes the importance of managing both end-users and technical project teams, addressing resistance to change, cultural shifts, and the need for skill development. Focus is given to ensuring collaboration between the operational and technical teams.

The impact of Regulations and Data Integrity guidance on process redesign

Bob McDowall, Director at R D McDowall Ltd, will focus his presentation on the regulatory compliance aspect of digitisation projects.

When digitalising a regulated laboratory, understanding and simplifying a process is key to unlocking business benefits. However, any redesigned process must ensure that applicable regulations and data integrity guidance documents are complid with. This starts with ensuring that each application selected has the functionality to automate the process and ensure integrity of the records acquired, processed and reported.

How to adopt new Technologies and remain Compliant

To conclude the three presentations, the panel discussion, moderated by Isabel Muñoz-Willery, Ph.D., Owner and Event Director of PLA® Conferences, will continue the discussion and engage with the audience on how to avoid being overwhelmed by compliance requirements while adopting the latest technologies.

Join us as we explore best practises, real-world case studies and actionable strategies for overcoming these hurdles. Whether you are just starting to digitise your lab or looking to refine and optimise your existing efforts, this session will provide valuable insights to help you drive transformation with confidence.

Let’s reinvent the future of labs together — where digitalisation is not a challenge, but an opportunity.

Follow us to stay informed about all the other sessions we are preparing with thought leaders from Roche Diagnostics, Lonza, Menarini, Esteve, Walloon Agricultural Research Centre and others.

Save your free place and register now!

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Laboratories are striving for more and more automated and digitalised processes. They are embarking on numerous transformational projects, empowered by their corporate strategies and business priorities.

While doing so, the desire to embrace data centric approach grows within the stakeholders and as such Data moves to the centre of basically all decision-making.Therefore, the effective management of digital information becomes critical to the advancement of scientific research, innovation and informed decision-making.

FAIR, the guiding principle for optimising usability of digital data

This is when the FAIR concept, Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable, is proving to be a guiding principle for optimising the management and usability of digital data.

The FAIR principles were first introduced in 2016 in a groundbreaking publication that addressed the challenges associated with the growing volume, complexity and fragmentation of digital data in various disciplines.

The core idea behind FAIR is to ensure that data is not only stored securely but also curated in a way that makes it discoverable, understandable and applicable in different contexts.

Unlike traditional data management practises, which often focus only on retention, FAIR emphasises the need for data to serve as a resource for future innovation. By adhering to these principles, collaboration in data sharing can be enhanced, facilitating the reproducibility of scientific work and maximising the value of digital resources.

The FAIR principles benefit a wide range of stakeholders. They enable researchers to find relevant datasets efficiently, provide standardised protocols for accessing data, ensure compatibility between different systems and tools, and allow datasets to be reused in new and innovative ways.

FAIR not only brings tangible scientific and economic benefits but also contributes to building a solid foundation for open science, ethical data management and sustainable knowledge ecosystems.

PLA® European edition, Central Theme: “Connecting. Empowering. Accelerating.”

The 12^th edition of the PLA® European Conference, Central Theme: “Connecting. Empowering. Accelerating.”, will lay the groundwork for a deeper exploration of how FAIR principles can address today’s data stewardship challenges while fostering a culture of transparency, collaboration and innovation.

Mastering Data Stewardship at PLA2025Europe 

Data stewardship ensures that data is sustainably FAIR. This involves knowing and documenting what types of data an organisation holds, assessing data quality, understanding where data assets are located and monitoring data usage.

In this way, it ensures effective management and monitoring of data throughout its lifecycle and guarantees its quality, security, privacy and accessibility. In this way, high-quality data is accessible, usable, secure and, above all, trustworthy, which should make it possible to quickly detect quality problems with new data.

In summary, data stewardship provides the operational backbone for implementing and sustaining the FAIR principles, while FAIR provides a structured framework to guide and measure stewardship efforts. Together, they enable sound data management and maximise the value of data for science, innovation and decision-making.

At the PLA® Conference, we are proud to offer this special session with the valued contribution of industry leaders from Astrazeneca, SGS, the University of Southampton, Physical Sciences Data Infrastructure initiative and Zontal.

Follow us to stay informed about all the other sessions we are preparing with thought leaders from Roche Diagnostics, Lonza, Menarini, Esteve, Walloon Agricultural Research Centre and others.

Save your free place and register now!

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