Laboratory Robotics Interest Group

The Laboratory Robotics Interest Group (LRIG) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to the study and discussion of laboratory automation. Through mailing lists, forums, and online presentations, as well as regular regional meetings and conferences, the LRIG acts as a networking tool as well as a scholarly resource. It was set up in 1996 by Andy Zaayenga who now holds executive chair.
Among the topics discussed by the LRIG are the uses of laboratory automation in high-throughput screening, drug discovery, combinatorial chemistry, chemical synthesis, compound purification, compound distribution, data management, pharmaceutical dosage form sample preparation, dissolution testing, bioanalytical technology, chemical analysis, solid phase extraction, validation, and product formulation.
Membership
The LRIG consists of over 9,000 scientists and engineers. Employees of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries constitute the bulk of the membership, with many others from the chemical, agriculture, cosmetic, food, and specialty industries. There are no fees or dues required to join. Members are encouraged to contribute through online discussion (a Yahoo group) as well as physical meetings.
In addition to core membership there are now several 'chapters' for various areas in the US, for example Bay Area, MidWest and others in addition to the original Mid Atlantic chapter in NJ.
Meetings
Multiple regional meetings are held each year in which members' experiences in automation are presented. A typical meeting consists of a social period followed by two or three presentations with discussions afterward. Posters are viewed during the social period. Job openings may be posted or announced. Technology exhibitions are held to allow automation providers to present their products to the group.
European Chapter
In 2000 David Sands set up the European LRIG originally designated as a chapter but now a fully fledged group in its own right known as ELRIG. It runs meetings mainly in UK but a sub-chapter in Germany has also been created with more to follow. It has its own website and membership aside of the US group but shares the Yahoo discussion group.

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