World of Laboratory presents during WoTS 2026: Round table sessions

During WoTS 2026, FHI, in collaboration with LabInsights, is organizing a series of compact round table sessions focusing on current themes..

In these interactive sessions, experts and visitors alike engage in a dialogue about the future of the lab: from talent development to artificial intelligence and sustainability.

Talent development as the key to the future

The first session, scheduled for Tuesday, September 22, focuses on career and training. At a time when attracting and retaining qualified personnel is becoming increasingly challenging, talent development takes center stage. The discussion revolves around concrete choices: do you invest primarily in formal diploma requirements, or do you choose to partially train employees in-house? The session will also address how lab organizations can position themselves as attractive employers for young professionals.

The session therefore offers not only insight into strategic HR issues but also practical tools to attract and retain talent. Particularly in a sector where knowledge and skills evolve rapidly, a well-thought-out approach to training and career development is essential.

AI is fundamentally changing the lab

On Thursday, September 24, the focus will be on the impact of AI on the lab. Artificial intelligence is changing not only processes but also the role of quality officers and lab managers. This session will explore where organizations can start deploying AI tools and which 'quick wins' are achievable.

In addition, the organizational side is addressed: how do you assemble an effective AI team, and when is its application actually justified? Discussing these questions together creates a realistic picture of the opportunities and challenges of AI in practice.

Sustainability: from ambition to action

The third session, on Friday, September 25, focuses on sustainability. Many laboratories want to become more sustainable but struggle with where to start. This round table offers concrete starting points and shows which steps can have an immediate impact.

The focus is on practically applicable solutions, estimating investments, and making returns transparent. How organizations can make their sustainability impact measurable is also discussed. In doing so, the session helps participants translate ambitions into concrete actions.

Interaction and knowledge sharing take center stage

What connects the three sessions is their interactive nature. Not one-way traffic, but a dialogue between experts and participants. It is precisely this exchange of experiences and insights that makes the round tables a valuable part of the program.

For visitors, this offers the opportunity to test current issues against practice and gain inspiration for their own organization. For experts, it is a moment to share knowledge and gather new perspectives.

With these three themes, WoTS 2026 addresses the core of the challenges facing laboratories today: developing talent, leveraging technological innovations, and making processes sustainable.

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