The Thinking Microscope By Steven Finkbeiner | SLAS 2026 Innovation Award Winner

Our guest is the 2026 recipient of the SLAS Innovation Award, Steven Finkbeiner, MD, PhD, of Gladstone Institutes and the University of California, San Francisco. Steven won the prestigious award for his podium presentation, “Development and Application of AI-powered Label-free Imaging for Assays and Screening."Our discussion takes us through his lab's development of an AI-powered, label-free imaging and a closed-loop "thinking microscope" that uses optogenetics and reinforcement learning to perform thousands of single-cell experiments in a single well, dramatically accelerating research into neurodegenerative diseases and beyond.Key Learning Points:AI-powered label-free imaging for assaysDeep learning models in biomedical researchPrognostic markers and disease diagnosis using AIClosed-loop automated microscopy platformsOvercoming challenges and limitations of AI in researchStay connected with SLAS:www.slas.org | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTubeAbout SLASSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is an international professional society of academic, industry and government life sciences researchers and the developers and providers of laboratory automation technology. The SLAS mission is to bring together researchers in academia, industry and government to advance life sciences discovery and technology via education, knowledge exchange and global community building.Upcoming Events:SLAS Meet-UpsLeiden, Netherlands (10 September 2026)Tübingen, Germany (20 October 2026)SLAS 2026 Sample Management Symposium (October 21-22, 2026 | South San Francisco, California)SLAS2027 International Conference & Exhibition (January 30 - February 3, 2027 | San Diego, California)View the full events calendar