CTLS 2025 Congress Shines a Spotlight on the Experts Powering Scientific Breakthroughs

18. June 2025

Science that changes the world is never done in isolation! Behind every breakthrough are tens of thousands of professionals working in Core Facilities – shared laboratories, technology platforms and research infrastructures that connect advanced technologies with human expertise. These vital professionals took centre stage at the CTLS 2025 international congress, held this June in Brno – a city celebrated as a thriving innovation hub and one of the global leaders in electron microscopy.

Over 250 professionals from research infrastructures, core facilities and industry across 25 countries converged at the CTLS 2025 Congress – an inspiring gathering hosted by CEITEC Masaryk University under the auspices of the CTLS association (Core Technologies for Life Sciences). The event offered an open platform to discuss the pressing issues affecting the field – from sustainable management of core facilities and talent development to the integration of new technologies, innovation in core facilities and industry engagement. A particularly prominent topic was data management aligned with EOSC standards, which poses specific challenges for life science infrastructures dealing with sensitive data.

The congress reaffirmed that cutting-edge research cannot function without high-quality infrastructure. In an era where the development of new therapies, diagnostics, and materials increasingly depends on interdisciplinary collaboration and technological precision, core facilities stand at the very heart of scientific advancement. This makes cross-institutional and cross-border knowledge exchange all the more critical – a mission that CTLS actively fulfils. Importantly, the CTLS community brings together not only facility heads and managers, but also technical and scientific staff, researchers, and administrators across all disciplines.

The professional programme featured dozens of lectures and discussions – from hands-on management case studies to strategic reflections on innovation. A powerful message echoed throughout the congress: innovation thrives when it addresses real-world needs. Equally compelling were the in-depth discussions on professional development and targeted education and training for core facility staff – critical pillars for ensuring long-term sustainability, service excellence, and the continued advancement of life science research.

CTLS 2025 also introduced new formats, such as a kick-off networking session designed to create an open and inclusive atmosphere right from the start. “Our aim was to make everyone feel welcome, to encourage people to ask questions and make connections across disciplines. I believe it had a very positive impact on the event overall, especially during the panel discussions – this new approach really worked,” said lead organiser Kateřina Hošková from CEITEC Masaryk University.

The final open mic session gave participants the opportunity to share challenges and good practices directly from the floor, creating space for spontaneous and honest dialogue. Alongside the official programme, CTLS 2025 offered plenty of informal networking opportunities, including a gala dinner held at the historic Augustinian Abbey, complete with tours of Mendel's Museum and the Basilica.

The event also served as a tribute to Spencer Shorter, founder of CTLS, who passed away unexpectedly earlier this year. His vision of an open, supportive, and collaborative professional community was felt throughout the programme and became a silent leitmotif of the entire congress. “CTLS brings together the people who make cutting-edge research a reality. If you're looking for a community where you can exchange experiences, grow professionally, and help shape the future of our field, then CTLS is the place for you,” said Julia Fernandez-Rodriguez, President of the CTLS Association.

The Brno congress reaffirmed a powerful truth: core cacilities are far more than support services – they are essential drivers of scientific progress. It also showcased that Europe, including regions beyond the traditional scientific hubs, has both the ambition and the capability to lead the way in this vital field.

The CTLS congress is held every two years in a different host country, aiming to activate local communities, raise the visibility of core facility topics, and build regional, national, and international networks. With its well-developed system of large research infrastructures, the Czech Republic is well positioned to lead by example. The next CTLS congress will take place in Milan in 2027, but the opportunities for collaboration and exchange continue all year round – both online and through the growing CTLS membership, which remains open to new professionals from across the life sciences infrastructure landscape.