Women in Science, Robotics, Automation, SLAS, and Lilly Updates

Women in Science Day (February 11) was the top of the list for discussion for GEN editors in this week’s podcast. They shared an anecdote on the history of the term “scientist”—hint it was coined for a woman. A modern scientist, Medra CEO Michelle Lee, discussed with GEN how the company is integrating robotics with AI for use in biological research. GEN attended SLAS this week and we got an update on the automation updates along with endeavors to increase the presence of women in biotech leadership. Finally, we get an update on Eli Lilly’s recent major deals followed by an update on Nektar Therapeutics clinical trial updates.

Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Fay Lin, PhD, Uduak Thomas and Alex Philippidis for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news. 

Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base: 

Data Is a Robotics Problem, Medra CEO Says Physical AI Will Transform Biology

By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, February 11, 2026

Robots on the Red Line: A Video Update from SLAS 2026

GEN, February 11, 2026

SLAS Highlights: AI Labs, Small-Molecule SPR, Protein Interaction Assays, and Paper Labware

By Uduak Thomas, GEN, February 11, 2026

SLAS Highlights: Opening Keynote Spotlights Novel Target in Genomically Unstable Tumors

By Uduak Thomas, GEN, February 11, 2026

Opentrons Uses Nvidia Tech to Build Training Data That Powers Physical AI in the Lab

By Uduak Thomas, GEN, February 9, 2026

Beyond Obesity: Lilly Inks Up to $11.25B in Cancer, Immune System Deals

By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, February 10, 2026

Lilly, Seamless Ink Up-to-$1.12B Hearing Loss Collaboration

By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, January 28, 2026

Touching Base Podcast 

Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD 

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Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD 

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