Abstract
”Laboratory automation is a discipline at the crossroads of manifold laboratory sciences.”
On the front cover of this journal, it states that JALA is “a multi-disciplinary international forum devoted to the advancement of technology in the laboratory.” In other words, one could say that JALA is many things to many people. This matter of fact is not a result of coincidence, but of design.
Laboratory automation is a discipline at the crossroads of manifold laboratory sciences. Since ALA's inception, its leadership has worked hard to ensure that these sciences are well served through meaningful education. JALA is one way that ALA delivers education to scientific, academic, and industry professionals across a dazzlingly diverse continuum.
This special issue of JALA addresses one particular corner of that continuum—the automation of cellular immunology assays. Automation advancements in this field have been steady and profound in the last ten years, and the lessons learned there can provide important food for thought to other ALA members.
The collection of technical reports and scientific briefs in this issue were assembled by JALA Guest Editor Jean D. Boyer, Ph.D. Jean is an assistant research professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School in Philadelphia. Her interest, enthusiasm, and informed perspective fuel this issue and reflect the ALA spirit of cooperation at its best.
JALA looks forward to welcoming more guest editors in 2004 and encourages all ALA members to recommend topics and candidates. We've all got a lot to learn, and together, we can learn a lot.
Sincerely,
