^“Welcome to the Labmate Awards for Excellence 2025… the winners are…^”

The votes have been counted, and the results are now in for the Labmate Awards for Excellence 2025. At Labmate we have been genuinely humbled by the high level of voter participation from a literally worldwide turnout of the laboratory community. Across the 11 categories, we shortlisted 99 entries which attracted 4,995 individual votes cast. Voters were drawn from six of the seven continents, with only Antarctica not represented. And the continent with the highest proportion of countries represented was South America where there was at least one vote cast from 75% of its nations.

Thank you, once again, to everyone who took the time to participate in this year’s Awards process – companies and voters alike – for this celebration of innovation, quality and achievement across our industry. In addition to the public vote, our judging panel has now also selected their recipient for the inaugural Michael Pattison Award for Overall Winner of the Year. Now to the main events where the winners will be revealed for this year’s Labmate Awards for Excellence 2025.

Innovation of the Year for a product or service – PerkinElmer

In our most hotly contested category, PerkinElmer’s QSight 500 LC/MS/MS System emerged on top having clearly impressed for its clear focus on improving efficiency and reliability in food safety testing. The system addresses a key industry challenge: analysing complex food matrices for trace contaminants such as PFAS without extensive sample preparation. Its direct injection capability and StayClean™ Technology reduce both contamination risk and downtime, enabling laboratories to maintain high throughput with fewer maintenance interventions. It was also notable that the system’s potential to deliver faster, more consistent results while lowering operational costs – a valuable advantage in a sector where speed and accuracy are critical. In addition to its technical innovation, the entry’s integrated marketing approach was commended. The ‘Dirty Type’ campaign communicated the QSight 500’s strengths with clarity and impact, using bold creative to speak directly to lab professionals’ real-world frustrations. Together, the product and campaign position the QSight 500 as a meaningful advance in modern food testing.

PerkinElmer – QSight 500 LC/MS/MS System

The PerkinElmer QSight 500 LC/MS/MS System deserves to win the Labmate Award for Excellence because it redefines the standards of robustness, efficiency, and reliability in environmental and food t... Read More

Best supplier and end-user partnership – Horiba UK

HORIBA UK and Northumbria University were shortlisted for demonstrating how a long-term, values-led supplier–end-user relationship can evolve into a dynamic scientific partnership. Over 15 years, their collaboration has expanded beyond equipment supply to include doctoral training, mentoring, outreach, and international research. The depth of engagement in Northumbria’s EPSRC doctoral training centres stood out, with HORIBA contributing technical input, mock interviews and ongoing student support. Their role in the university’s widening participation campaign was also notable, combining financial aid with mentoring and industry exposure. The shared use of HORIBA spectroscopy tools has supported peer-reviewed research and successful funding bids, while a trilateral project with Brazil illustrated global reach. HORIBA’s active presence on advisory boards further reflected strategic alignment. The entry was commended by the judging panel for exemplifying how a supplier can be integral to academic growth, equity and scientific innovation at multiple levels.

HORIBA UK – Partnership with Northumbria University

Best supplier andend-user partnershipHORIBA UK is proud to nominate its long-standing and deeply collaborative partnership with Northumbria University for the “Best Supplier and End-User Partners... Read More

Best customer service – Kern & Sohn

Kern & Sohn was shortlisted for delivering a comprehensive, technically informed customer service model that prioritises long-term support over transactional engagement. With a 180-year legacy, the company embeds service into every aspect of its operations, from multilingual pre-sales consultation to accredited post-sales technical support. The multilingual team, continuity of dedicated account contacts, and direct on-site support all contribute to a seamless experience. A highly automated warehouse ensures 96% stock availability and rapid 24-hour dispatch, while the user-friendly digital platform enhances autonomy with instant access to manuals, pricing and custom data sets. The entry was recognised by voters for combining traditional values with modern systems to deliver consistent, global service excellence.

Kern & Sohn – Customer Service

Best customer serviceFor KERN & SOHN GmbH, customer service is not a separate function—it is a core part of our operational philosophy. With a history spanning more than 180 years, the company ha... Read More

Best marketing campaign – Scientific Laboratory Supplies

Scientific Laboratory Supplies (SLS) was shortlisted for its FOCUS campaign, recognised for strategic execution, strong industry partnerships, and measurable value to laboratory professionals. More than a promotional brochure, FOCUS was a multi-channel campaign offering targeted discounts across essential lab equipment. Most recently running from February to May 2025, it features exclusive offers on leading and emerging brands. With a user-centred design that includes a dedicated subsite, print and digital versions, and coordinated online promotion, the campaign reaches a broad spectrum of users. The judging panel praised the campaign for balancing accessibility and commercial impact while strong voting reinforced SLS’s reputation as a trusted scientific supplier.

Scientific Laboratory Supplies – FOCUS

Best marketing campaignAt SLS we are proud to nominate FOCUS, our extensive promotional brochure, for the Best Marketing Campaign at the Labmate Excellence Awards 2025. Running from 1st February 20... Read More

Best IT solution – LabWare

LabWare was shortlisted for its leadership in laboratory informatics and ability to evolve alongside the demands of modern operations. Its configurable LIMS and ELN platforms offer seamless integration with instruments and enterprise systems. Advanced analytics, AI and machine learning support use cases from CAR-T cell production to equipment life prediction. With a 98% customer satisfaction rate, LabWare also supports automated report generation, regulatory compliance, and cost reduction. Its global footprint spans more than 29,000 labs. Recognised in the popular vote, LabWare delivers a robust and innovative solution that enhances efficiency, control and data integrity at scale.

LabWare – Enterprise Laboratory Platform

Best IT solution LabWare, the global leader in laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and electronic laboratory notebooks (ELN), has consistently demonstrated excellence in providing inn... Read More

Best sustainability initiative – the GreenLab Award – Clean Air

Clean Air was shortlisted for its pioneering move to eliminate SF₆ in fume cupboard testing, replacing the potent greenhouse gas with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. The CFD approach improves safety and precision by mapping airflow through trillions of data points, reduces the need for prototypes, and accelerates product development. Clean Air’s investment in promoting sustainable practices within a conservative industry, particularly as an SME, was notable. The judging panel commended this entry for combining environmental leadership, technical innovation and tangible user benefit.

Clean Air - Eliminating SF6

Best sustainability initiative– the GreenLab AwardEliminating SF6 from the Laboratory Fume Cupboard Supply ChainClean Air: Leading the Fume Cupboard Industry Toward a Sustainable FutureAt Clean A... Read More

Best lab safety product or solution – Sartorius

Sartorius was shortlisted for the Sterisart® Universal Gen 4, which combines safety, digitalisation and process efficiency in sterility testing. Developed for pharmaceutical environments, the system includes ergonomic design, modularity, remote operation, and built-in compliance with 21 CFR Part 11. A touchscreen interface, barcode scanner and visual workflow support help reduce operator error and fatigue. It enhances cleanroom suitability while improving consistency. Sartorius has been successful in the voting for delivering a forward-thinking solution that meets regulatory needs while supporting safer, more efficient sterile manufacturing.

Sartorius – Sterisart(R) Universal | Gen 4 - Sterility Testing Pump

The Sterisart(R) Universal Gen 4 plays a critical role in sterility testing - an essential procedure to ensure patient safety in pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical environments. Through precise a... Read More

Best bench top innovation – Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Orion™ Pro Star electrochemistry bench meter series was shortlisted for offering high-quality analysis in an accessible, ergonomic design. Supporting pH, conductivity and dissolved oxygen measurements across multiple sectors, the series features a large touchscreen, guided calibration, secure data storage and USB-based updates. Its compact footprint and robust design suit high-throughput labs. The judging panel acknowledged the Orion Pro Star series as a model of how smart design and digital integration can improve laboratory accuracy and usability.

Thermo Fisher Scientific – Orion™ Pro Star series

Best bench top innovationAchieving precise and accurate results should be the base standard for any lab, especially when it comes to electrochemistry analysis, which is critical for ensuring qualit... Read More

Best separation science innovation – Shimadzu

Shimadzu’s Nexera QX Multiplex System was shortlisted for transforming throughput in mass spectrometry workflows. Using alternating sample streams, it eliminates downtime during flushing and equilibration. Intelligent autosampler and pump control, along with integrated valve coordination, ensures seamless operation. The system also reroutes samples during failure and pairs with Shimadzu’s LCMS-8060NX for ultra-fast, sensitive analysis. This innovation’s clear benefits in productivity, automation and operational resilience won out in the award’s vote.

Shimadzu – Nexera QX Multiplex System

Best separation science innovationNexera QX Multiplex System maximize mass spectrometer productivity. Multiplex uses multiple, alternating sample introduction streams to keep the mass spectrometer... Read More

Best portable technology product – Elvatech

Elvatech’s ProSpector 3 was shortlisted for redefining expectations of handheld XRF analysis. Weighing just 1.1 kg, it offers comfort during extended use while delivering superior performance through its proprietary Dynamically Adaptive Sampling (DAS) technology. This innovation boosts speed and detection precision across applications ranging from soil and metal analysis to petrochemicals and archaeometry. The judging panel commended the ProSpector 3 for merging technical sophistication with portability and ease of use.

Elvatech – ProSpector 3 Portable XRF Analyzer

Best portable technology productProSpector 3 is the fastest, lightest and smallest XRF gun on the market. It operates four times faster than other similar devices because of the proprietary Dynamic... Read More

Best imaging or optics – PerkinElmer

PerkinElmer’s Spotlight™ Aurora FTIR Microscope was shortlisted for its technical precision and automation. It features dual high-resolution visible imaging, all-reflective IR optics, and liquid nitrogen-cooled detectors for detecting trace chemicals. Tools such as autofocus, joystick stage control and a software-controlled Micro-ATR accessory simplify high-accuracy analysis. A highlight was the platform’s adaptability for applications such as microplastics analysis, battery research and materials science, praising it as a future-ready imaging system with depth and versatility.

PerkinElmer – Spotlight Aurora FTIR Microscope

Best imaging or opticsThe new PerkinElmer Spotlight™ Aurora FTIR (Fourier-Transform Infrared) Microscope exemplifies innovation, precision, and versatility, setting a new benchmark for imaging an... Read More

Michael Pattison Award for Outstanding Achievement of the Year 2025 – Shimadzu

As Shimadzu celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2025, the company has been named this year’s overall winner in recognition of its enduring contribution to laboratory science and its continued focus on people, training and support alongside innovation. Founded in 1875 to advance education through scientific instrumentation, Shimadzu’s original mission remains its guiding ethos.

Beyond technology, the company has demonstrated a clear commitment to empowering scientists. Its free, non-vendor specific training sessions—delivered in-person across the UK and online—equip scientists at all levels with essential analytical skills, regardless of the equipment they use. This open-access approach is consistently rated highly by participants and reflects Shimadzu’s focus on building knowledge as well as supplying instrumentation.

The scale and sincerity of customer feedback also stands out. Testimonials from academic, commercial and research partners repeatedly cite exceptional technical support, responsive service and a willingness to tailor solutions. A special anniversary testimonial book, released as part of the 150th celebrations, compiles more than 60 such accounts from UK customers, demonstrating the tangible impact of Shimadzu’s approach on scientific workflows and operational success.

From start-ups to major research institutions, users value the sense of partnership Shimadzu fosters. As Dr Alan McCue of the University of Aberdeen put it: “Shimadzu want to understand my experimental needs... they want to see their instrumentation used to its fullest potential.”

This award recognises Shimadzu not only for its industry-leading solutions, but for its unwavering support of the scientific community. It celebrates a company that has consistently combined technical excellence with personal commitment over a century and a half—a rare and commendable achievement in the laboratory sector.

Highly commended finalists

ILM Media and the Labmate Awards for Excellence 2025 would also like to extend its special recognition to the following entries, which in their view showed exceptional merit but also scored highly in the voting. Although not outright category winners, in the judge’s view these entries stood out on merit and so have been chosen to be designated with 'Highly Commended' status to acknowledge the exceptional standard of their entry to this year’s competition.

Innovation of the Year for a product or service

• Julabo: Sustainable Refrigerated Circulators
• Metrohm: OMNIS NIR Analyzer
• Sartorius: Cubis II semi-micro

Best bench top innovation

• Rigaku: NEX CG II+
• Verdel Instruments: Total Correlation Mass Spectrometry (TOC-MS)

Best customer service

• Organomation

Best portable technology product

• Fritsch: Particle Analyser A-22
• Scientific Laboratory Supplies - Azenta Life Sciences CryoPod CRY1020
• Spetec – Cleanboy

Best separation science innovation

• Sartorius: Vivaflow

Best supplier and end-user partnership

• Anthias Consulting: Bespoke training and consultancy

Best sustainability initiative – the GreenLab Award

• Alpha Laboratories: Tree Planting Scheme