A Scientist’s Perspective on Laboratory Design: Lessons from Planning and Relocating a Microbiology Laboratory

Drawing on more than 30 years of food safety and microbiology research experience, this presentation shares lessons learned from relocating and expanding a microbiology laboratory. From a scientist’s perspective, rather than a professional laboratory designer’s, the presentation examines how research needs translate into practical decisions about layout, workflow, equipment placement, infrastructure, storage, and safety.

The discussion emphasizes designing around workflow rather than equipment alone, focusing on creating logical connections among media preparation, microbial culture and fermentation, incubation, analytical testing, washing and sterilization, storage, and waste handling while minimizing cross-contamination. It also explores the importance of collaboration with laboratory builders and planning for future research needs. Examples include adding incubators, a 10-L fermenter, and a cell-culture room. The presentation concludes with lessons learned about space, benches, flexibility, and designing laboratories that can evolve with changing research needs.

Learning objectives:
1. Identify key laboratory workflow considerations when planning a microbiology laboratory layout, including media preparation, microbial culture, incubation, testing, sterilization, storage, and waste handling.
2. Evaluate laboratory space and equipment requirements by considering workflow, accessibility, utilities, storage, ergonomics, safety, and future research needs.
3. Recognize strategies for effective collaboration with laboratory builders and project teams when translating scientific and operational requirements into a functional laboratory space.
4. Apply lessons learned from a real-world laboratory relocation and expansion project to anticipate future needs, improve flexibility, and avoid common planning mistakes.