The Path to Laboratory Transformation: From Scientific Work to Scalable Capability

Laboratory transformation promises greater productivity, better data, and more effective use of automation and digital technology, yet many organizations struggle to move beyond isolated improvements. Technology alone does not transform a laboratory. Lasting change begins with understanding how scientific work is performed and then building the capabilities, systems, and operating models needed to improve it.

This webinar presents a practical framework for laboratory transformation developed through more than two decades of experience in scientific automation, analytical development, digital laboratory initiatives, and organizational change. The framework begins with the science and the work, then progresses through standardization, reusable capability, connected systems, and people-led change.

Drawing on examples ranging from assay automation to organization-wide scientific capabilities, the presentation will show how transformation can evolve from solving an immediate scientific problem to creating approaches that are trusted, reusable, and scalable. As these capabilities mature, they begin to reshape how work is performed, supported, and connected across the laboratory.

Rather than treating transformation as a distant end state, the webinar will show how organizations can define where they want to go and move toward that vision through successive stages of meaningful impact, with each step improving today’s laboratory while building the capability required for tomorrow.

Presented by Leonard Blackwell, Ph.D. Senior Consultant, Lab of the Future & Robotics at Hyperplane LLC

Leonard Blackwell, Ph.D., is a scientist, laboratory transformation leader, and consultant with more than 20 years of experience across pharmaceutical research and development, biotechnology, automation, and digital laboratory strategy. His career has focused on improving how scientific work is executed by bringing together workflows, laboratory technologies, automation, digital systems, and scientific information.

During his tenure at Biogen, Leonard built and led a multidisciplinary Strategic Analytics team supporting Analytical Development. His group developed and deployed automation, informatics, data solutions, and emerging technologies that improved scientific productivity, data integrity, and organizational capability across laboratory operations.

Leonard has also held scientific and leadership roles at Pfizer, Wyeth, Amphora Discovery, and Duke University, with experience spanning vaccines, biologics, assay development, high-throughput operations, laboratory robotics, and scientific data systems.

Today, as Senior Consultant, Lab of the Future & Robotics at Hyperplane LLC, Leonard helps organizations assess laboratory operations, identify opportunities for transformation, and develop practical strategies that connect people, processes, technology, and information. He holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from New York University.

and Saly Romero-Torres, Ph.D. Owner, Hyperplane LLC

Saly Romero-Torres, Ph.D. is an experienced senior leader with over 20 years of expertise in advanced manufacturing and strategy. She has a diverse track record spanning digital transformation, operations, global network strategy, strategic planning, financial management, quality systems, regulatory compliance, data analytics, artificial intelligence, workforce development, and operational excellence.

She is a proud former Board Member of the Chemical Sciences and Technologies Board at the U.S. National Academies, recognized for shaping science and technology policy at the national level. Saly has authored and co-authored more than 20 publications in advanced manufacturing.

She is the founder and owner of Hyperplane LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to helping customers develop and operationalize their digital and AI strategies.

Followed by a live question and answer session