Reflecting on Reid 2025
The Reid Bioanalytical Forum is a bi-annual bioanalytical event, first running in 1975. This year marked the 50th year of Reid and we caught up with the Reid Organizing Committee to reflect on another successful event.
View more Reid resources here.
What was the overarching take-home message from the 2025 Reid event and how does it reflect current trends in bioanalysis?
The event marked 50 years of the Reid Bioanalytical Forum, 5 decades celebrating innovative science for bioanalysts from all backgrounds. The key take-home message from the event was overcoming challenges, learning from failures and adopting new modalities, through the evolution of bioanalysis beyond traditional boundaries. Discussions emphasised moving beyond LC–MS, beyond Pharma and beyond the Laboratory, reflecting wider industry trends towards new analytical modalities, automation, data-centric workflows and broader application areas. Another key message was the importance of providing an inclusive and congenial atmosphere for discussions, which actively encourages early-career researchers to present their work and network with industry experts.
What initiatives is Reid taking to bring together experts in the industry and early-career scientists?
A core and longstanding mission of the Reid Forum is supporting early-career scientists. This continues through bursary awards, enabling emerging researchers to attend, present and engage, often for the first time, in a welcoming and supportive environment. In 2025, Reid also announced the launch of a Mentorship Programme, designed to formally connect experienced bioanalytical experts with early-career scientists, strengthening knowledge transfer and long-term community building across generations.
How did you celebrate 50 years of Reid, and what do you envision from it over the next 50 years?
Reid 2025 proudly celebrated 50 years of the Reid Bioanalytical Forum, honouring its history, people and impact. The milestone was marked by recognising key pillars of the Forum, such as Derek Stevenson, Howard Hill and Ian Wilson, with memories, photographs and memorabilia bringing Reid’s rich legacy to life. Celebrations also included social events in true Reid style, uniting generations of scientists at an off-site dinner in Cambridge and a faux casino night to close the event. Looking ahead, Reid envisions the next 50 years as a continuation of its legacy of innovation, inclusivity and scientific excellence, ensuring the community continues to adapt and lead as bioanalysis evolves.
Why should people sign up for the next Reid event, and can you share any teasers about it?
In autumn 2027, the Reid Forum will return, looking to continue offering a unique blend of high-quality science, open discussion and community feel, making it an essential meeting for anyone working in or around bioanalysis. Attendees can expect sound scientific themes, lively debates on emerging challenges and unmatched networking across career stages. We will further expand on themes such as bioanalysis of the future, new technologies and mentorship, continuing Reid’s tradition of shaping, not just reflecting on, the field.
Furthermore, the organizing committee is considering running a workshop this year for Scientists new to Bioanalysis, so watch this space for further details.
