Help Shape the Future of Campus Research: Explore Academic Lab Design at the 2026 Lab Design Conference
As universities evolve their research missions and adapt to rapidly advancing scientific fields, the need for flexible, resilient, and forward-thinking laboratory facilities has never been greater.
At the 2026 Lab Design Conference—taking place May 11–14 in Orlando, FL—multiple sessions will spotlight the design and construction of academic labs, offering practical insights for planners, architects, facility managers, and campus leaders.
Further reading: Lab Design News’ editorial coverage of academic lab design
As institutions face increasing pressure to modernize research environments while balancing budget constraints and sustainability goals, these sessions will provide real-world strategies and lessons learned from recent campus projects. Speakers will share approaches to stakeholder engagement, flexible planning frameworks, and renovation tactics that extend the life of existing facilities while preparing campuses for emerging scientific priorities.
Attendees will explore how thoughtfully planned academic laboratories can improve research productivity, strengthen collaboration, and support long-term institutional growth. Sessions will address planning new facilities, renovating aging infrastructure, and leveraging innovative design tools and delivery models to streamline development. Register now to get your conference ticket—early bird tickets are available through December 31, 2025.
Featured academic-focused sessions at the 2026 Lab Design Conference include:
Opening Keynote—Designing for Discovery: What Researchers Need from Tomorrow’s Labs
A look at how design choices—from open lab concepts to VR-enabled planning—shape research outcomes, recruitment, and collaboration.
Roundtable: Academic Lab Design
A participatory discussion on balancing scientific needs with institutional priorities, budgets, and historic building constraints, with strategies for stakeholder engagement and flexible planning.
Catalyst of Change: Connected Manufacturing Ecosystems
A case study on Arizona State University’s ISTB 12 and how its highly interdisciplinary research ecosystem supports innovation, industry partnerships, and cross-campus collaboration.
Panel: Smart Renovation Strategies for Safe, Efficient, and Cost-Effective Labs
Lessons from the University of Florida’s Basic Science Building renovation on upgrading ventilation, improving safety, enhancing occupant well-being, and reducing energy use.
Dealing with Uncertainty in a Time of Uncertainty
Insights into Brown University’s adaptable design approach for the Danoff Life Sciences Laboratories, built to evolve with shifting research priorities and program needs.
Enhance your conference experience with workshops and lab tours
The Applied Research Center (ARC) at Florida Polytechnic University. Image: Courtesy of HOK
Conference attendees can enhance their experience by adding a workshop or lab tour to their registration. Tickets for tours and workshops are limited and must be added to a conference registration at the time of purchase.
Three workshop options are available, focusing on Collaborative Lab Planning, Minimizing Risk, and Navigating Code Conflicts.
Attendees can also choose from three lab tours, including Florida Polytechnic University’s Barnett Applied Research Center and Innovation, Science and Technology Building—an especially compelling option for those interested in academic lab design—as well as the Siemens Energy Orlando Innovation Campus and the Iron Bridge Regional Water Reclamation Facility.
Further reading: Project Profile: The Applied Research Center at Florida Polytechnic University
In the meantime: Academic Lab Design Digital Conference
Looking to jump-start the conversation before heading to Orlando? Join us for the Academic Lab Design Digital Conference on December 4, 2025. This full-day, free virtual program features four expert-led webinars exploring key considerations in planning, designing, constructing, and renovating academic laboratory facilities. Attendees will dive into space planning strategies, safety requirements, and approaches for integrating technology to elevate both learning and research environments. Sessions will cover how to create adaptable, future-ready labs that support evolving research demands and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. The event also emphasizes sustainability, energy efficiency, and the latest innovations in materials and systems. Each session includes a live Q&A with industry experts, and all webinars offer AIA continuing education credit. Register now to watch the Academic Lab Design Digital Conference live or on demand, for free!
Register for the Lab Design Conference today
Attending this free digital event is an ideal way to prepare for the 2026 Lab Design Conference in Orlando. By engaging now, participants can build foundational knowledge, explore current challenges and trends, and identify the questions they want to bring to next year’s in-person sessions. You'll also begin connecting with speakers and topics that will carry forward into the broader conversations happening in Orlando—setting you up to make the most of the conference’s networking opportunities, peer exchange, and educational programming.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and gain essential strategies for shaping the next generation of academic laboratory environments. Register now to secure your ticket!
