Science on the back burner: European laboratories struggle with massive restrictions
Great sustainability ambitions and willingness to innovate despite the need to save money
The life science industry is at a critical turning point: celebrated as systemically relevant during the coronavirus pandemic, many laboratories are now struggling with massive restrictions. A recent Europe-wide survey by laboratory equipment supplier Starlab of 378 laboratory employees from five countries paints an alarming picture.
Although the supply situation for laboratory materials has normalized after the fluctuations caused by the pandemic, staff shortages and increasing cost pressure as well as the economic downturn are putting a heavy strain on the life science industry. 64% of the laboratories surveyed have already introduced cost-cutting measures. 58 percent report specific budget cuts, while 42 percent have been forced to prioritize research areas. "This development not only jeopardizes individual research projects, but also the competitiveness and innovative strength of entire science locations," warns Klaus Ambos, Managing Director of Starlab International GmbH.
Subdued future prospects for 2025
The outlook for the laboratory sector is sober: 37% of those surveyed expect a negative economic development by the end of 2025, while only 15% are optimistic about the future. The remaining 48% are undecided. "The fact that almost half do not want to commit themselves shows that neither a positive nor a negative trend has solidified. It is not yet too late to turn the tide," says Ambos. The situation is particularly critical in Germany, where only 13% of laboratories expect budgets to increase - the lowest figure in Europe. With a 22.5 percent drop in material consumption in 2024, German institutions are also experiencing the sharpest cuts.
Science needs political priority
The industry's demand is clear: 79% of respondents are calling for more political priority for the life sciences sector. "Politicians must act now," warns Ambos. "The contrast could not be greater. During the coronavirus pandemic, science was the great beacon of hope. Examples such as Biontech have become widely visible for the first time. Today, without an acute crisis, research budgets are being cut. All the while, systemically relevant research is taking place. In Germany and Europe, so many promising approaches are being pursued in cancer research alone, but this is not visible enough." According to Starlab International CEO Ambos, innovations for climate protection, health and an ageing society are needed right now. "We cannot afford to only value science in times of crisis. The foundations for future crises are being built today."
Great sustainability ambitions and willingness to innovate despite the need to cut costs
Despite the tense situation, the industry is showing a remarkable willingness to innovate: over 65% of respondents see sustainability and environmental protection as key issues for the future. 95% would use recycled products, 70% of which would do so if the quality was guaranteed, 12% without restrictions, 13% if the price remained the same and 5% depending on the product. Only 0.61% reject recycled products in general due to too many concerns. Many laboratories have already taken concrete measures - 83% implement recycling programs, 64% use reusable systems and 62% invest in energy-saving devices.
Nevertheless, there are often obstacles to implementation: 80 percent cite costs as the main barrier, followed by time (74 percent) and a lack of information on sustainability options and implementation possibilities (63 percent). "Laboratories want to actively shape change. But they need the right framework conditions and support from all sides," says Ambos. "In concrete terms, this means that politicians need to promote sustainable research more strongly and remove regulatory hurdles. As manufacturers, we need to offer innovative and affordable solutions such as recyclable products and closed material cycles. And last but not least, we need the public to understand that investing in sustainable science is an investment in the future of us all."
About the study
The survey was conducted in January 2025 among 378 laboratory employees in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Austria. The majority of participants (65%) work as laboratory managers or laboratory technicians. A further 24 percent of respondents are scientific staff - including professors and project managers (7 percent), doctoral students and post-docs (6 percent) as well as researchers and medical researchers (8 percent). Laboratory directors (3 percent), purchasers (1 percent) and employees from other laboratory areas (10 percent) complete the field of participants.
Note: This article has been translated using a computer system without human intervention. LUMITOS offers these automatic translations to present a wider range of current news. Since this article has been translated with automatic translation, it is possible that it contains errors in vocabulary, syntax or grammar. The original article in German can be found here.
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