Episode 1: Precision Automation Meets Biology

Central question: How can automation help scientists move faster without losing sight of the biology?

This opening episode would introduce precision automation as the connective tissue across the Molecular Devices portfolio. Rather than defining automation simply as higher throughput, we would explore how purpose-built tools help biologists reduce repetitive work, control variability, improve consistency, and focus more of their time on scientific decisions.

Potential discussion points:

• What “precision automation” means for a working biologist
• Why automation should adapt to the science — not force the science into a rigid process
• Where manual variability enters cell-based research
• The balance between speed, consistency, flexibility, and scientific control
• How purpose-built instruments, software, and expertise work together
• Why researchers may need different solutions at different points in their journey

Speaker: Matt Stoltz

Moderator: Uduak Thomas

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Artificial intelligence is advancing quickly into laboratory operations, which is why thinking about the quality and integrity of the supporting data early on is important. In regulated environments, that means understanding where the data came from, how it changes, and how AI-generated insights or recommendations can be traced, reviewed, trusted, and ultimately defended.

In this GEN podcast, LabVantage’s Gary Stimson digs into what it takes to build a data foundation for trustworthy AI. The discussion covers concepts like data lineage, traceability, explainability and governance, and the importance of audit-ready laboratory operations. It also looks at the role of intended use, ongoing monitoring, and human review in deploying AI responsibly.

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Small molecules continue to play a major part in pharmaceutical development, but increasing molecular complexity, accelerated timelines, and evolving manufacturing and regulatory requirements are creating new challenges for the industry.

In this GEN Podcast – part 2 in a 3-part series -- a trio of experts from SK Pharmteco discuss how CDMOs are helping biopharma companies navigate critical areas including scale-up, technology transfer, advanced manufacturing, automation, sustainability, the emergence of AI, and supply chain reliability. The discussion explores practical strategies for improving development efficiency while supporting quality, scalability, and long-term commercial success.

Guest Speakers

Steve Barr, PhD -- Head of Small Molecule Business Unit and VP Global Alliances, SK Pharmteco.

Darryl Ratty -- Executive Director of Global ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance), SK Pharmteco.

Bill Dubay -- VP, Global Research and Development, SK Pharmteco.

Moderator:

Kevin Davies, PhD, Editorial Director, GEN

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This episode establishes the broader context for AI adoption. Rather than focusing on AI tools themselves, the discussion explores what laboratories must have in place before AI can be applied responsibly.

Key discussion areas include:

• Why fragmented workflows and disconnected systems limit AI effectiveness
• The importance of trusted, connected laboratory data
• Human-guided AI and human-in-the-loop governance
• Why compliance and auditability should be built into AI-enabled workflows from the outset

Relevant reference to LabVantage CORTEX:

LabVantage CORTEX embeds AI within laboratory execution workflows so that intelligence operates within existing scientific and compliance processes, rather than as an external layer.

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Lentiviral vectors are gaining momentum not just as ex vivo tools but as potential in vivo therapeutic platforms. But with that shift comes a number of manufacturing challenges, including higher doses, tighter control of impurities, greater batch consistency, and scalable processes to meet both clinical and commercial needs.

In this GEN Podcast, two experts from SK Pharmteco, a global CMO, address these challenges and lay out some best practices that guide the manufacture of lentiviral vectors with the requisite purity, robustness, and economic feasibility required for widespread clinical adoption.

Guest speakers:

Mardhani Aparajithan, Director of Manufacturing, Science and Technology, SK Pharmteco

Tatiana Nanda, PhD, CTO, Cell and Gene Therapy, SK Pharmteco

Moderator:

Kevin Davies, PhD, Editorial Director, GEN

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Sponsored by Seqera

As data volumes in life sciences continue to grow, bioinformaticians and researchers are more dependent than ever on solutions that help them streamline workflows, manage data, and scale their research. In this timely podcast, Evan Floden, CEO and co-founder of Seqera, shares how his company is addressing these needs through Nextflow—the open-source orchestrator for scalable, reproducible, and portable scientific workflows—and Seqera Platform, a unified solution for the entire scientific data lifecycle. He also discusses how Seqera has become a widely adopted solution, trusted by 13 of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies, empowering breakthroughs in drug discovery, genomics, clinical research, and.beyond.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.