Science and technology are important reflections of a nation's competitiveness and a crucial material foundation for promoting economic and social development. The construction and development of laboratories will determine a country's scientific and technological strength, while the future construction and development direction of laboratories will provide guidance for the nation's next steps. Future laboratories will inevitably have the following characteristics:
(1) Humanization
As the main frontline of science and technology and a testing ground for new materials, technologies, and processes, laboratories differ from conventional workplaces—they are high-risk environments. Therefore, they must prioritize human safety and adopt a people-oriented approach. Construction should be diversified to adapt to different personnel and experimental requirements. The working environment should be designed to be more comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and conducive to the health and well-being of staff, further stimulating their enthusiasm and creativity.
(2) Modularization
Laboratory modularization is an effective means to improve construction efficiency and reduce costs, representing a key development direction for future laboratories. It should advance in two aspects: structural and functional modularization.
- Structural Modularization
- Functional Modularization
(3) Informatization and Intelligence (LIMS System)
Informatization and intelligence are inevitable trends for future laboratories. The rapid development of information technology has driven the third industrial wave, boosting productivity and transforming lifestyles and work patterns. The development and application of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) have accelerated the informatization and intelligence of laboratories.
- LIMS enables informatization of all laboratory elements (personnel, equipment, materials, experimental methods, etc.) and the experimental process, breaking through geographical and temporal limitations to improve efficiency. For example, a laboratory information platform can enable online communication and access to test results.
- Intelligent technologies facilitate scientific research by leveraging self-learning and adaptive capabilities. They can use virtual simulation to demonstrate dynamic processes of new laboratory plans, provide recommendations on research directions/methods, propose preliminary experimental schemes, and generate research results or suggestions based on historical data.
(4) Prospectiveness
With the rapid advancement of science and technology, new technologies emerge constantly. Laboratory construction must reserve interfaces for future technologies. Since technological progress is a long-term endeavor, laboratories should be planned and implemented proactively, with a focus on forward-looking 布局 (layout) for interdisciplinary and cross-industry technologies, rather than short-term gains.
(5) Sustainable Development
The concept of sustainable development has gained wide acceptance, with environmental protection and energy conservation becoming global consensus and key strategic decisions in China. Future laboratory construction must adhere to green development principles, establishing a complete system of regulations and standards to ensure sustainable practices throughout the laboratory lifecycle.Sustainable development is essential for human survival and social progress, and laboratory construction should follow this principle to achieve long-term, healthy, and sustainable growth, continuously supporting scientific and social development.
Currently, there is a shared aspiration to study the laws of laboratory development, apply them to avoid detours, and align with future trends. At a higher level, we should approach laboratory construction with a clear vision, striving to implement it solidly, effectively, and with tangible achievements.