AI in the lab: from promise to practice
By: Hans Risseeuw
Artificial intelligence is developing at a rapid pace. But what does AI mean concretely for laboratories, researchers, and quality professionals? On Thursday, September 24, during WoTS 2026, World of Laboratory brings experts and visitors together to discuss the opportunities, limitations, and practical applications of AI.
Keynote Jarno Duursma
AI expert Jarno Duursma opens the substantive program from 11:00 to 12:00. In his keynote, he discusses how artificial intelligence is changing the way companies design, automate, and manage equipment. He addresses generative AI, smart automation, predictive maintenance, and the changing role of professionals. Attention is also paid to ethical and societal risks.
According to Duursma, organizations primarily underestimate the speed at which AI is developing. AI systems now write software code, collaborate as autonomous agents, and can solve complex problems. His advice to companies is therefore practical: give employees room to experiment, but also discuss potential consequences early on, such as increased workload, loss of expertise, and job erosion.
Applying AI in healthcare and chemistry
The English-language seminar is from 13:00 to 14:00. Implementing AI in Healthcare: Challenges, Successes and Practical Insights On the program, Jawad Handizi shares experiences from AI projects within healthcare. The emphasis is not only on the technology, but primarily on the question of why some applications deliver lasting value while others do not. Topics include clinical needs, technical and organizational barriers, support, business cases, and validation in practice.
Max Derks from Big Chemistry then demonstrates how machine learning and robotic high-throughput experiments come together. With active learning, a system can determine which subsequent experiment yields the most information. In this way, the challenge shifts from conducting as many experiments as possible to formulating the right research questions.
In conversation about AI in the lab
Following this, the round table session will take place from 14:00 to 14:30. AI in the lab place. Experts and visitors discuss where laboratories can start, which quick wins are achievable, how to assemble an AI team, and when application is justified. Not a one-way street, but space to share experiences, questions, and dilemmas from daily practice.
World of Laboratory takes place from September 22 to 25, 2026, at Jaarbeurs Utrecht. View it full program for Thursday, September 24 and put together your own trade fair day.
