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University of Maine Launches Innovative GEM Research Facility
The University of Maine has broken ground on the GEM Factory of the Future, a cutting-edge research facility designed to integrate sustainable mass timber construction, AI-enabled manufacturing, and robotics within a highly precise, adaptable, and collaborative academic environment
Design Lessons from a Queen Conch Mobile Lab
Florida Atlantic University’s expanded Queen Conch Mobile Lab, supported by Chef José Andrés’ Longer Tables Fund, offers a scalable, community-driven model for aquaculture research and education, providing actionable lessons in modular design, local partnership, and flexible infrastructure for conservation-focused labs
Successfully Steering Through the Evolution: From Research Lab to Production Facility
Pharmaceutical companies shifting from R&D to in-house production must navigate complex design, regulatory, and operational challenges—requiring early collaboration, flexible facility planning, and a mindset shift—to ensure successful, scalable, and compliant manufacturing capabilities
Tips and Topic Ideas for Speaking at the Lab Design Conference
The Lab Design Conference unites diverse lab professionals to share honest, practical insights and lessons learned from real-world projects—beyond polished success stories—to help attendees navigate every stage of lab planning, construction, and operation with actionable takeaways and meaningful engagement
Flinders University Redefines Lab Interiors, Clinches Design Excellence Award
Flinders University’s Health and Medical Research Building earned the 2025 Design Excellence Award for Interior Design, recognized for its innovative integration of adaptable laboratory spaces, biophilic elements, and culturally informed design that supports collaborative medical research
The Role of Pharmacy Within a Broader Interdisciplinary Research Environment
At the 2025 Lab Design Conference, architects Jeffery Bottomley and Luke Voiland of Shepley Bulfinch joined Dr. Lamar Pritchard of the University of Houston to highlight pharmacy’s growing role in interdisciplinary research
Translating User Feedback into Smarter, More Flexible Labs
Engaging lab end users early in the design process can help readers avoid costly mistakes, improve functionality, plan for future technologies, and create lab spaces that truly support scientific work and well-being
Proposed NOAA Lab Closures Raise Critical Questions about Research Facilities
The proposed NOAA budget would shut down key physical research laboratories across the country, leaving the future of their specialized buildings, equipment, and ongoing infrastructure upgrades uncertain
Refurbishing a Lab While Keeping Diagnostics Running
Key lessons from Northumbria Healthcare’s phased pathology lab refurbishment show how early stakeholder engagement, careful planning, and flexible operations can successfully transform a live clinical environment without disrupting vital services
Share Your Lab Design Journey at the 2026 Lab Design Conference
Speaker proposals are being accepted until August 8 for the 2026 Lab Design Conference in Orlando—lab managers, end users, and design professionals are invited to share real-world lessons from lab renovations, new builds, expansions, and sustainability-focused projects to help others navigate the challenges of planning, building, and optimizing laboratory spaces