2014 European Life Science Awards
This was the official website for the European Life Science Awards.
Content is from the site's 2014 pages.
Attending the European Life Science Awards in Barcelona was one of the most rewarding professional experiences I’ve had. My software team entered the competition under the “Most Innovative New Product” category with our suite of tools designed to limit the risks associated with using legacy Microsoft Access systems in modern IT environments. We’ve spent the past two years building solutions that bridge the gap between outdated software and today’s dynamic tech stacks—ensuring stability, reducing integration headaches, and minimizing downtime.
While we didn’t walk away with the award, we did gain something just as valuable: recognition. The visibility we received among leaders in life sciences and automation sparked conversations that have since led to new business partnerships and a notable uptick in sales. It was a great reminder that innovation isn’t just about winning—sometimes it’s about showing up, sharing your vision, and connecting with the right people who see the value in your work. The tapas and Catalan wine didn’t hurt either! Jenny McMasters
PRESS RELEASE
European Lab Automation 2014
SELECTBIO** is pleased to announce the 4th annual European Lab Automation Exhibition which will be held in parallel alongside Advances in NGS & Big Data, High Content Analysis, Advances in Automation & Robotics, Advances in qPCR & dPCR and Advances in Cellular Assays & Cell Culture. Building on the success of the previous years, we expect an exhibition of around 50 of the industry’s leading solution providers, showcasing current technologies and services.
Catalan Experience – European Lab Automation and the Life Science Awards, Barcelona
17:00-19:00 Tuesday, 13th May 2014
Join us at the Opening Reception for this year’s ELA - European Lab Automation, incorporating the bi-annual European Life Science Awards.
Come and experience the rich culture of Catalonia and get a taste for the region, through a selection of tapas, and local wines and beers. Soft drinks will also be available.
The opening reception for this year’s European Lab Automation exhibition, enables you to engage with this year’s sponsors and exhibitors without the pressures of getting back to the conference sessions, whilst also being an enjoyable way to experience the culinary and cultural highlights of Barcelona and the Catalonia region.
We are pleased to incorporate the European Life Science Awards into the event with the awards ceremony beginning at 18:00 in the workshop presentation area of the exhibition hall. Entries can be made at www.LifeScienceAwards.com with a range of categories open to research teams, individuals or companies.
The conference sessions begin on at 08:30 on Wednesday 14th May running through to 18:00 on Thursday 15th May.
Entrance is free of charge to all registered attendees, so don’t miss out on an integral part of this year’s ELA.
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** Established in 1999, Select Biosciences provides focused market reports, custom consultancy, training courses and conferences to the biomedical marketplace.
** Established in 1999, Select Biosciences provides focused market reports, custom consultancy, training courses and conferences to the biomedical marketplace.
In the past I have attended a number of conferences organized by Select Biosciences such as the 2014 European Lab Automation Exhibition. But with the emergence of a world wide pandemic everything was thrown into turmoil. I was concerned that the type of scientific conferences Select Biosciences manages would be impacted by the Covid 19 pandemic and indeed they were. Some were rescheduled and other became virtual. I was planning to attend the SelectBIO 3D-Printing and Biofabrication 2020 that was to be held August 17-18 in Boston, MA. USA. It would bring together researchers from across various disciplines who were involved in the fabrication of functional, engineered tissue constructs. In addition to scientific presentations, this conference would feature exhibits with companies showcasing their technologies and product offerings into this field. The conference was originally scheduled for March 23-24, 2020 in Boston, but was rescheduled due to the worldwide Coronavirus situation. Perhaps if I had been living in the US I would have made it to Boston. However, I am doing research in Melbourne, Australia where travel restrictions are stringent, particularly for people returning to the country. With the numerous lockdowns that were occurring particularly in Melbourne, I didn't want to chance being denied leaving at the last moment.
The past 2 plus years have been challenging to say the least. My research requires working in a lab. During a lot of the lockdowns I had to remain at home. I was able to Zoom meet colleagues around the world, read up on the latest research that was / is going on, and feel cooped up.
At the end of 2021 with Covid 19 vaccines and accessible testing for the illness available, my lab has opened up, although with the new Omicron variant spiking up infections, I am a bit hesitant to return. Fortunately, my fellow lab partners appear to be a conscientious as I am regarding safety protocols. It's been great to return, but I have lost so much valuable time
I have actually started the planning for a Select Biosciences organized conference, Microfluidics, 3D-BioPrinting & BioFabrication, that is planned for Nov 2022 in Israel. Hopefully a new variant of Covid 19 will not emerge and cause havoc.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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About the Life Science Awards
The 3rd European Life Science Awards were held in Barcelona to celebrate the very best of the industry's achievements. The awards ceremony took place during the opening reception evening for European Lab Automation on the evening of 13th May 2014.
2014 Award Winners
Most Innovative New Product
LCMS-8050 triple quadrupole LC-MS/MS by Shimadzu
Most Innovative New Service
ULTImate YChemH service by Hybrigenics Services, France
Research Group of the Year
The Stevens Group at Imperial College, London
Investigator of the Year
Dr Iva Tolic-Norrelykke, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, Dresden
Business Leader of the Year
Jas Sanghera, Managing Director, TTP LabTech
Most Effective Marketing Campaign
FastPrep-24 5G Instrument launch by MP Biomedicals Europe
Best New Company
Ferentis, Lithuania
2012 Winners
Most Innovative New Product
Professor Alexander Seifalian - Synthetic Trachea
Most Innovative New Service
Invenios - Room Temperature Bonding
Best New Company
Sony DADC Biosciences
Business Leader of the Year
Dr Darrin Disley, CEO, Horizon Diagnostics
Investigator of the Year
Professor Barry VL Potter, University of Bath
Research Group of the Year
Dr Andrew Marks' Group, Columbia University Medical Center
Most Effective Marketing Campaign
StemGent: mRNA Reprogramming Models Online Campaign
2011 Winners
Most Innovative New Product
Pacific Biosciences' PACBIO RS
Most Innovative New Service
Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases (TALENs), Cellectis bioresearch
Most Effective Marketing Campaign
Online IonWorks Barracuda Product Launch Molecular Devices
Business Leader of the Year
Dr. Janet Wolfe, CEO, Wolfe Laboratories Inc
Research Group of the Year
Phyton Biotech's Research Group, Ahrensburg, Germany
Best New Company
Redd and Whyte Ltd
Investigator of the Year
Professor Naomi Chayen, Imperial College London, UK
About the Venue
Fira Barcelona - Gran Via is one of the largest and most modern venues in Europe, designed by the Japanese architect Toyo Ito, winner of the Pritzker Prize. Its outstanding features are its architecture, functionality and commitment to sustainability: it has one of the largest rooftop photovoltaic installations. Its eight pavilions, connected by a walkway that channels the flow of visitors, provide cutting-edge services and logistics. The gastronomic restaurant Nuclo is located inside the Foyer Europe.
It is located in a new business development area, very close to Barcelona airport and connected to the public transport network.
The Gran Via venue has various spaces for congress. It houses the Convention Centre, a completely modular and versatile space, with capacity for 3,000 to 12,000 attendees, in addition to different rooms spread over the halls.
Mikael Kubista,
Professor/Founder,
TATAA Biocenter
Hakim Djaballah,
Director,
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Anthony Davies,
Director, High Content Research Facility,
National Center for High Content Screening and Analysis (INCHA)
Klaus Pantel,
Director,
University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf
Rainer Cramer,
Professor,
University of Reading
About Barcelona
Barcelona is Spain's second largest city, with a population of nearly one and half million people (nearly five million in the metropolitan area) and the capital and largest city of Catalonia.
This city, located directly on the northeastern Mediterranean coast of Spain, has a rich history dating back at least 2,000 years when it gained prominence as a Roman town under its old name, Barcino.
In 1992, Barcelona gained international recognition by hosting the Olympic games which brought a massive upturn in its tourism industry. This had the effect of changing the city in ways that are still felt today with neighbourhoods renovated (and in some cases levelled) and the intense focus of modern design permeating all aspects of life in Barcelona from public buildings to something as simple as a park bench or an event poster.
For visitors, this has translated into the very modern, yet incredibly old city you see now in the 21st century, where the new elements work to both preserve and celebrate the ancient. This beautiful city is full of what European cities are known for (outdoor markets, restaurants, shops, museums and churches) and is fantastic for walking with an extensive and reliable Metro system for more far-flung destinations.
The core centre of town, focused around the Ciutat Vella ("Old City") provides days of enjoyment for those looking to experience the life of Barcelona while the beaches the city was built upon provide sun and relaxation during the long periods of agreeably warm weather.
Where To Stay
FIRA CONGRESS HOTEL,
José Agustín Goytisolo,
9-1108908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat,
Barcelona,
Spain,
Tel: (+34) 932671800
Fax: (+34) 932671801
SELECTBIO has negotiated the following special rates for hotel rooms.
Standard Single: €95.00pn inc breakfast
Standard Double: €105.00pn inc breakfast
Reservations to be made through SELECTBIO to ensure these rates.
More Background on LifeScienceAwards.com
LifeScienceAwards.com was the online home of the European Life Science Awards, a prominent recognition program celebrating innovation, leadership, and achievement in the life sciences sector. Although the website is no longer actively maintained, its influence and the events it chronicled remain significant within the scientific and business communities of Europe and beyond. This article provides an in-depth look at LifeScienceAwards.com, focusing on its history, structure, reputation, cultural significance, and the broader context of its impact in the life sciences industry, based solely on independent sources.
History and Development
Origins and Purpose
The European Life Science Awards were established to honor outstanding contributions in the life sciences, with a particular emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, and scientific advancement. The awards were closely linked to Select Biosciences Ltd, a UK-based company founded in 1999. Select Biosciences is recognized for organizing scientific conferences, providing market analysis, and offering consultancy services to the biomedical and life sciences sectors. The company itself has been acknowledged for its international reach, including receiving the Queen’s Award for International Trade in 2010.
Integration with Major Industry Events
The awards ceremonies were typically held in conjunction with major conferences, most notably the European Lab Automation (ELA) event. For instance, the 2014 European Life Science Awards took place during the ELA opening reception in Barcelona, attracting leading scientists, innovators, and industry executives from across Europe. This integration ensured that the awards were embedded within a broader context of scientific exchange and business networking, amplifying their visibility and impact.
Structure and Award Categories
Diverse Recognition
The European Life Science Awards recognized excellence across a range of categories, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the life sciences industry. Common categories included:
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Most Innovative New Product
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Most Innovative New Service
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Best New Company
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Business Leader of the Year
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Investigator of the Year
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Research Group of the Year
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Most Effective Marketing Campaign
These categories were designed to celebrate not only breakthrough research and product development but also leadership, entrepreneurship, and effective communication within the sector.
Nomination and Judging Process
Nominees were typically put forward by peers, and a panel of judges comprised of respected academics and industry leaders reviewed the submissions. Judges in past years included directors and professors from institutions such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Imperial College London, and the University of Reading. This peer-reviewed process lent credibility and prestige to the awards.
Audience and Reach
Who Attended and Participated?
The awards attracted a diverse audience, including:
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Academic researchers and principal investigators
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Industry executives and business leaders
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Startups and established companies in biotech, pharma, and diagnostics
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Marketing and business development professionals
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Investors and venture capitalists
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Media and journalists covering science and technology
The events were known for their international flavor, drawing participants from across Europe and occasionally from North America and Asia.
Press and Media Coverage
Industry and Mainstream Attention
The European Life Science Awards and their associated events were covered by a range of industry publications and news outlets. For example, Select Biosciences and the awards were featured in press releases and news stories on platforms such as SelectScience, Labmate Online, and Business Wire. These reports highlighted the winners, the significance of the awards, and the broader trends in life sciences innovation.
Examples of Media Coverage
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SelectScience reported on the winners and the impact of the awards on the industry, emphasizing the recognition of innovation and leadership.
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Labmate Online covered the integration of the awards with major conferences, noting the role of the awards in fostering networking and collaboration.
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Business Wire and other press release services distributed announcements about the event, the winners, and the significance of the awards for the European life sciences community.
Reputation and Reviews
Industry Perception
The European Life Science Awards were generally well-regarded within the industry. They were seen as a mark of distinction, with winners and nominees often using the recognition to bolster their reputations, attract investment, and expand their networks. Testimonials and commentary from participants in independent news coverage frequently highlighted the value of the awards in terms of visibility, credibility, and business development.
Examples of Recognized Achievements
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The 2014 “Most Innovative New Product” award went to Shimadzu for their LCMS-8050 triple quadrupole LC-MS/MS system, a significant advancement in mass spectrometry.
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In previous years, companies like Sony DADC Biosciences and research groups from Imperial College London and Columbia University Medical Center were recognized for their contributions to science and technology.
These examples illustrate the high caliber of participants and the broad range of achievements celebrated by the awards.
Cultural and Social Significance
Fostering Innovation and Collaboration
The European Life Science Awards played a vital role in fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration within the life sciences sector. By bringing together leading researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals, the awards encouraged the exchange of ideas, the formation of partnerships, and the recognition of excellence across disciplines.
Impact on Careers and Companies
For many winners and nominees, the awards provided a platform for career advancement and business growth. Recognition at the European Life Science Awards often led to increased media attention, new business opportunities, and greater access to funding and resources. This, in turn, contributed to the advancement of scientific research and the development of new technologies with real-world impact.
Event Details and Insights
Typical Event Format
The awards ceremonies were typically held as part of the opening reception of major conferences, such as the European Lab Automation event. These receptions provided an informal yet prestigious setting for networking, celebration, and the exchange of ideas. Attendees enjoyed social activities, such as tastings of local cuisine and beverages, alongside the formal awards presentations.
Venues and Locations
Events were hosted in major European cities, with Barcelona being a notable example. The 2014 event took place at Fira Barcelona - Gran Via, one of Europe’s largest and most modern exhibition centers. The choice of such venues underscored the scale and significance of the awards within the industry.
Notable Winners and Judges
Prominent Winners
Over the years, the awards recognized a diverse array of innovators and leaders, including:
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Shimadzu for their LCMS-8050 system (2014)
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Sony DADC Biosciences (Best New Company, 2012)
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Dr. Darrin Disley, CEO of Horizon Diagnostics (Business Leader of the Year, 2012)
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The Stevens Group at Imperial College London (Research Group of the Year, 2014)
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Professor Naomi Chayen, Imperial College London (Investigator of the Year, 2011)
Esteemed Judges
The judging panels included influential figures such as:
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Dr. Hakim Djaballah, Director at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
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Professor Mikael Kubista, Founder of TATAA Biocenter
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Anthony Davies, Director of High Content Research Facility
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Klaus Pantel, Director at University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf
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Rainer Cramer, Professor at University of Reading
Their involvement added further credibility and prestige to the awards.
Examples of Impact
Product Launches and Business Growth
Winning or being nominated for a European Life Science Award often directly benefited companies and research groups. For example, the launch of innovative products such as the LCMS-8050 system by Shimadzu was amplified by the recognition, leading to increased market interest and business opportunities.
Research Recognition
Academic groups, such as The Stevens Group at Imperial College London, gained greater visibility and access to collaborative opportunities through their recognition, furthering their research impact.
Legacy and Continuing Influence
Enduring Significance
Although LifeScienceAwards.com is no longer actively maintained, the legacy of the European Life Science Awards endures. The awards set a standard for excellence in the industry and continue to be referenced in professional biographies, company histories, and media reports. The model of integrating awards with major scientific conferences has been adopted by other organizations, reflecting the lasting influence of the European Life Science Awards on the culture of recognition in the life sciences sector.
Industry Evolution
The life sciences industry has continued to evolve, with new awards and recognition programs emerging. However, the European Life Science Awards remain a touchstone for quality, innovation, and leadership, and their influence can be seen in the ongoing emphasis on collaboration, entrepreneurship, and scientific achievement within the sector.
LifeScienceAwards.com played a pivotal role in documenting and promoting the achievements of the European Life Science Awards, which in turn helped shape the culture of innovation and recognition in the life sciences industry. Through its integration with major conferences, its rigorous judging process, and its celebration of excellence across a broad range of categories, the awards provided a valuable platform for individuals and organizations to gain visibility, build networks, and contribute to the advancement of science and technology. The legacy of the website and the awards it chronicled continues to inspire and inform the life sciences community today.
