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, PhD, 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 got a look at 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
Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD
Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD
