Abstract
The manuscripts featured in this special issue of JALA share a common thread. They were initially presented at meetings of the Laboratory Robotics Interest Group (LRIG). For those of you involved in LRIG, you know that it is an organization with a singular mission. Our aim is to facilitate access to the latest and best practices in laboratory automation for all, from lab director to bench scientist. We meet this goal by maintaining a dues-free membership and free attendance to regional meetings, enabled by a unique nonpartisan partnership with automation providers. LRIG is managed and led by volunteers from the automation community, extending our reach into the workplace and ensuring that our focus is current. For this reason, LRIG enjoys access to information representing the latest developments in the laboratories at every level.
The authors published in this issue reflect the high quality and vitality of LRIG presentations. These manuscripts passed a stringent JALA peer-review process and have risen to the top. Contributors to the community like these are necessary to advance the state of the laboratory automation for all.
The Laboratory Robotics Interest Group was formed in 1985 as a user group within Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceuticals, Raritan NJ, by pioneers in laboratory automation who were experimenting with the first available commercial systems. In true user group fashion, it grew to include scientists and engineers in other pharmaceutical firms in the area. It reached a plateau of approximately 200 members, a function of geography and the penetration of laboratory automation, until 1996. In that year LRIG created a Web presence at http://www.Lab-robotics.org to better serve its members. Suddenly, users in other regions discovered LRIG and participated in the online discussion groups and presentation archives. In a natural progression, interested parties volunteered to start LRIG chapters in their geographical areas. Today, our membership consists of over 9,000 scientists and engineers in twelve regional chapters. As well, LRIG hosts an extremely active online laboratory automation discussion group with almost 1,400 subscribers.
LRIG has an initiative to forge affiliations with other nonprofit professional support groups to present our members with the best possible experiences consistent with our mission. The Association for Laboratory Automation (ALA) mission is to advance science and education related to laboratory automation by encouraging the study, advancing the science, and improving the practice of medical and laboratory automation. The congruence of the missions creates an excellent fit for the two organizations to partner for the benefit of our members. Collaborative efforts have already resulted in a healthy cross-pollination of speakers, leaders, topics, and direction. This JALA issue is the latest in a series of mutually advantageous situations producing value for members in ALA and LRIG.
What can the future bring? There are many possible cooperative avenues, including amplified discussion groups, integrated presence at international and regional meetings, educational seminars at regional events, and perhaps a continuum in the membership experience. The leadership of both organizations would like to know from you what is important to you. After all, you are the reason that we exist.
Finally, I would like to thank the authors twice, for contributing to the laboratory automation community by sharing their knowledge at LRIG meetings, and for turning their podium presentations into JALA manuscripts for the benefit of a wider scientific and technical community. Also, thank you to the reviewers, the JALA Editorial Board, and JALA staff for their efforts in assembling this issue.
Sincerely,
