The power of curiosity to shape the science we need for 2050

This World Science Day, as we reflect on Trust, Transformation and Tomorrow: The Science We Need for 2050, we’re reminded that the future of science will be shaped by those who value evidence and courage – people who see curiosity not as a disruption, but as a defining force for progress. 

At ALS, science is at the heart of everything we do. Working across 70 countries and 450 laboratories, we deliver more than 672,000 scientific testing procedures every day, with the precision, pace and performance our clients rely on. 

The ALS of today reflects years of intentional questioning, refinement and reshaping. But our progress hasn’t come from being told to innovate. It’s happened because our people have been curious enough to ask powerful questions that make innovation part of our DNA.

Questions such as: What if we could automate this standard process? How can we turn a technical solution into a platform for growth? Could we solve this customer’s health concern faster? That’s the power of curiosity – it transforms everyday challenges into opportunities for breakthrough thinking.

Looking toward 2050, the challenges ahead not only demand reliable data, but also the courage to ask bold, unconventional questions. The disruption reshaping industries worldwide – from climate crises to emerging contaminants and shifting global health threats – requires innovation as standard practice, not as an exception.

This mindset is driving our capital works program, with major hub expansions now underway in Lima, Sydney, Prague and Bangkok, alongside a range of smaller projects. Across our network, we’re re-examining how we work, how technology can improve what we do, and how we can deliver even greater value for our clients, people and communities.

While “No, because…” thinking protects the status quo, we’re actively encouraging a culture of “Yes, and…” thinking at ALS. When we ask, “Yes, and what would it take to make that work?” we open the door to new possibilities.

I firmly believe the companies that lead the future won’t simply be those with the biggest budgets. They’ll be those where people are empowered to question, experiment and improve. ALS is striving to set that benchmark – to be the global leader in the discipline of scientific analysis in pursuit of a better world for all.

The science we need for 2050 must therefore be faster, more transparent and more adaptive. It must move beyond measurement to foresight, anticipating risks, accelerating our responses and guiding sustainable decision-making. 

Our vision for the Lab of the Future is already taking shape. We’re creating laboratories powered by data, automation and advanced analytics, and led by people united in purpose. 

We know that technology alone doesn’t create transformation – our people do. Across ALS our leaders are harnessing digital tools to guide teams through change, make smarter decisions and deliver faster, more reliable outcomes for clients. It’s this combination of human insight and technological capability that’s setting the standard in our industry.

I’m excited about where the future is taking ALS and inspired by the scientists and colleagues across our global network who I have the privilege of working with every day. These are people who lead with curiosity, solving real problems for clients and helping create lasting positive change in the communities we serve.

This World Science Day, we celebrate the 22,000+ people who power ALS – whose bold questions and scientific integrity continue to shape the trusted science the world will need for tomorrow.