Objects’ Campaign Launches International Lab Show

Organisers of the biennial International Scientific Laboratory Show & Conference to be held in Nottingham, England this May have launched a campaign to chronicle the ‘History of the Laboratory in Ten Objects’. Anyone with a passion for science can nominate the object they feel has had the greatest impact on lab-based scientific research over the last 200 years.

From the breakthroughs made in the early 18^th century chemistry laboratory to today’s laboratory achievements in space, the aim is to celebrate the objects that have significantly influenced the historical milestones in chemistry, biology, physics, engineering, IT or even psychology. Whether it’s the Bunsen burner or the microscope, scientists young and old are being asked to post their nominations along with a photo or picture if available, online www.scientificlaboratoryshow.com or via Twitter @SciLabShow #SciLabShow2016 #10LabObjects.

The top ten nominated objects will go into the Show’s ‘Hall of Fame’ on 25^th May, and delegates will be asked to vote for their Number One object during the Show and conference.

Hosted by Scientific Laboratory Supplies (SLS) in partnership with The Science Council, the biennial event is expected to draw over 1,000 UK and overseas delegates interested in laboratory technology, careers, logistics, safety, project management and commercialisation. This year’s conference theme is “Working Together to Advance UK Science” with topics and headline speakers discussing the impact of science in all aspects of our daily lives at work and at play. The event is also designed to emphasise the professional development and support available to scientists and laboratory staff working across the education, public and commercial sectors.

Science writer and broadcaster Vivienne Parry OBE, who is hosting the Conference, has her own nomination for the Ten Objects campaign: “I nominate Baby Blue. It appeared in 1986, and was one of the first examples of what we now know as an automated Thermal Cycler for doing PCR (polymerase chain reaction).  Why it is significant is that PCR, invented by Nobel Prize-winner Kary Mullis, is the basic technique for amplifying DNA. This made things like DNA fingerprinting possible but also heralded the advent of next generation genome sequencing, the basis of personalised medicine.”

Peter Lister, Operations Director at SLS says: “We distribute fantastic laboratory equipment on a daily basis, and through this Ten Objects campaign we want to champion the items we sometimes take for granted. Whether it’s the simplest pipette or the more complex spectrophotometer, each item has played its part in the evolution of the lab. We are pleased to be launching this campaign with The Science Council as we promote the Show and Conference together.”

Belinda Phipps, CEO of the Science Council says: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with SLS for the first time this year. In our different ways, we are both working to make the laboratory an exciting and stimulating place in which to work. I want everyone who joins us in May to understand how we can support them in their professional careers and in the technical every-day needs of the laboratory. I’ll be posting my nomination for the laboratory object I feel has made the biggest impact and encourage others to do so too.”

The Laboratory Show & Conference is sponsored by Corning and Eppendorf and marks the launch of the 2016 SLS Catalogue when manufacturers and suppliers have access to SLS sales personnel for training and product awareness. An invitation-only Gala Dinner at The Orchard Hotel on 24th May is followed by the Conference which is open to both customers of SLS and visitors.