Theme 01
AI for Science
Large language models, autonomous agents and multi-agent systems that reason over literature and data, generate hypotheses and plan experiments.
I-X Centre for AI in Science · Seminar & workshop series
Collaborative Lab Automation Workshop Series
AI for Science & Lab Automation
Five seminars and a concluding workshop, bringing together researchers and practitioners from AI, robotics and the experimental sciences at Imperial College London.
- Organised by
- Dr Dandan Zhang, Lan Wei & Dr Qiming Liu
- Series begins
- November 2026
- Format
- 5 seminars + 1 workshop
- Where
- Imperial College London & online
Exploring how agentic and embodied AI can accelerate scientific discovery, from hypothesis to robotic experiment and back again.
01About
About the series
Two connected themes: AI for Science and Lab Automation
The Collaborative Lab Automation Workshop Series is organised by the I-X Centre for AI in Science at Imperial College London. It brings together researchers and practitioners from AI, robotics and the experimental sciences to explore how agentic and embodied AI can support the scientific research cycle: from hypothesis generation and experimental design to robotic execution, data analysis and iterative discovery.
Discussions will focus on how advances in large language models, autonomous agents, robotic manipulation and multi-agent systems can enable intelligent, adaptable laboratory automation, with applications across bioengineering, drug discovery, materials science and chemical engineering.
We are bringing together a mix of senior researchers, early-career researchers, postdocs and PhD students, with perspectives from both academia and industry.
Theme 02
Lab Automation
Embodied AI and robotic manipulation for intelligent, adaptable laboratories that run experiments, measure outcomes and learn from them.
From hypothesis to discovery
The research cycle that connects the two themes
-
01
Hypothesis generation
Language models and agents that read, reason and propose testable ideas.
-
02
Experimental design
Planning experiments that are informative, feasible and efficient.
-
03
Robotic execution
Embodied AI and robotic manipulation running protocols on real lab hardware.
-
04
Data analysis
Turning measurements into insight, and uncertainty into the next question.
-
05
Iterative discovery
Closing the loop, so that each round of results sharpens the next.
Results feed back into new hypotheses
Topics
- Large language models
- Autonomous agents
- Robotic manipulation
- Multi-agent systems
Applications
- Bioengineering
- Drug discovery
- Materials science
- Chemical engineering
02Programme
Programme
From November 2026
Dates, speakers and talk titles will be announced here as they are confirmed. All events are hybrid: join us in person at Imperial College London or online.
-
Seminar 1
Talk title to be announced
Speaker to be announced
Affiliation to be announced
-
Seminar 2
Talk title to be announced
Speaker to be announced
Affiliation to be announced
-
Seminar 3
Talk title to be announced
Speaker to be announced
Affiliation to be announced
-
Seminar 4
Talk title to be announced
Speaker to be announced
Affiliation to be announced
-
Seminar 5
Talk title to be announced
Speaker to be announced
Affiliation to be announced
-
Concluding workshop
Workshop & panel discussion
The series concludes with a workshop at Imperial College London, including a panel discussion with perspectives from academia and industry on:
- Emerging research directions
- Interdisciplinary and academia–industry collaboration
- Opportunities for joint projects and funding
Panellists
- Panellist to be announced
- Panellist to be announced
- Panellist to be announced
- Panellist to be announced
03For speakers
Information for speakers
Thank you for considering our invitation
We would be delighted if you could share your research and perspectives with our interdisciplinary community. Here is what speaking in the series involves.
Your talk
Around 30 minutes, then discussion
A talk on your research or professional work and its relevance to AI for Science and Lab Automation, followed by questions and discussion.
Participation
In person or online
All events are hybrid. You are welcome to speak in person at Imperial College London or to join us online, whichever suits you best.
Scheduling
A date that works for you
Once you let us know you are interested, we will follow up by email to agree a suitable date, the talk details and your preferred mode of participation.
Audience
An interdisciplinary community
Researchers and practitioners from AI, robotics and the experimental sciences, with seminar invitations circulated across Imperial College London.
Interested in speaking?
Simply reply to your invitation email, or write to the organisers. We would be delighted to hear from you.
04Organisers & contact
Get in touch
For questions about the series, speaking or attending, please contact the organisers.
-
Dr Dandan Zhang
Co-organiser · Imperial College London
d.zhang17@imperial.ac.uk -
Lan Wei
Co-organiser · Imperial College London
l.wei24@imperial.ac.uk -
Dr Qiming Liu
Co-organiser · Imperial College London
q.liu2@imperial.ac.uk
Supported by
The AI in Science and Lab Automation Event Fund of the I-X Centre for AI in Science, Imperial College London.