This week, we spent five minutes with Christopher Austin, the Director at eLabNext. Chris graduated with a BSc in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Leeds before embarking on his career. As Director, he leads innovative lab operations, supporting diverse clients with advanced electronic solutions. His focus is on empowering scientists and fostering new business development. Chris and eLabNext have been attending Lab Innovations since 2022!

Ready, set, share!

Can you give us an insight into your career path and how you ended up working within the lab industry?

I began with a degree in Medicinal Chemistry from The University of Leeds, focusing on organic synthesis, pharmacology and biochemistry. My hands-on undergraduate lab experience highlighted the need for better data management (ie. Not in a paper notebook), leading me to a biotech startup developing lab software. This role deepened my understanding of tech’s impact on research. At eLabNext it is a privilege to offer digital solutions that enhance lab efficiency and collaboration, driven by a passion for improving scientific research.

What is something that keeps you motivated within the industry or what influences your decisions on how you work?

I’m motivated by the potential to transform scientific research through technology whether software at eLabNext, IoT at Elemental Machines or formally at IKA England Ltd or Buchi. Seeing the impact of our solutions on lab efficiency and data integrity drives me. My decisions are influenced by a commitment to enhancing reproducibility, collaboration and productivity in research. The goal of empowering scientists to make groundbreaking discoveries keeps me passionate about my work at eLabNext. Also, I love to hear about the latest scientific developments first-hand when meeting and working with the best minds on the planet!

Where do you see either you or the future of the lab industry going?

I see the lab industry increasingly adopting digital cloud solutions to enhance efficiency, reproducibility and collaboration. Automation, AI and data integration will drive significant advancements along with the continued and renewed need to be more sustainable. Personally, I aim to be at the forefront of these innovations, continuing to promote tools that empower researchers and streamline scientific discovery as through eLabNext. The future promises more connected, smart, sustainable and data-driven labs.

Thank you for your five minutes, Chris!