Peira Science Celebration : A Scientific Networking Evening

Prof. Dr. Winnok De Vos is a professor and principal investigator at the University of Antwerp, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences. He leads the Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, where his research focuses on cellular vulnerabilities in age-related brain diseases.

His team develops genome-edited cell lines, stem cell-derived organoids, and quantitative end-to-end microscopy pipelines to enable robust, patient-relevant cellular readouts. He also pioneered spatially selective photomanipulation to probe and perturb cell heterogeneity and introduced innovative in toto imaging methodologies, allowing comprehensive analysis of complex 3D samples like organoids in their intact state.

Widely recognized for his advanced data-driven imaging expertise, he leads numerous academic and industry collaborations. He is director of ACAM (www.acam-uantwerpen.be), the university’s advanced microscopy facility, and coordinator of IMARK, an IOF valorization consortium focused on image-based biomarkers. Prof. De Vos is also a core member of μNEURO, a multidisciplinary neuroscience alliance integrating imaging and molecular tools across model systems.

Beyond research, he plays an active role in academic governance, contributing to international committees on doctoral education, curriculum development, and faculty policy.

Dr. Robbert van Putten is a chemical engineer with a strong background in sustainable catalysis, microfluidics, and automated reaction technology. He earned his MSc in Chemical Engineering from Eindhoven University of Technology and completed his PhD at Delft University of Technology, where his research focused on the development of catalytic systems and high-throughput experimentation for green chemical processes.

In 2022 he joined Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine as a postdoctoral fellow. He is currently employed as senior scientist in high-throughput experimentation. In this role, he acts as the department’s automation lead and is responsible for lab automation and workflow optimization in J&J’s HTE chemical process R&D. This includes the development and application of advanced experimental platforms that integrate automation, microreactor technology, and data-driven optimization to accelerate pharmaceutical process development. His work bridges the gap between fundamental research and industrial application, contributing to faster and more efficient drug discovery and manufacturing.

As Manu Sneyders prepares for his well-earned retirement, we invite you to join us in celebrating his journey as co-founder of Peira Scientific Instruments and his many years of dedication to advancing scientific research.

This event is a moment to reflect on Manu’s contributions, the values he instilled in Peira, and the meaningful support he has provided to the scientific community over the years.

Looking ahead, the Peira team is committed to continuing Manu’s legacy — upholding the same high standards of service, innovation, and collaboration that have defined the company from the beginning.

We hope you’ll join us for this special occasion to honor Manu’s career and look forward to the future together.

Peira Scientific Instruments supports innovation in life sciences through a comprehensive range of services, including:

• Lab Products & Automation: Specialized instruments and integrated systems for biomedical, pharmaceutical, and analytical research.
• Technical Laboratory Services (#PeiraLab360): Expert support for lab automation, instrumentation troubleshooting, scripting, and infrastructure maintenance.
• Custom Mechatronic Projects: Tailored engineering solutions, from rapid prototyping to full-scale system integration.
• OEM Solutions (#PeiraMed360): Engineering and manufacturing services for medical technology applications, including orthopedics, optometry, and diagnostics.

With in-house capabilities in CNC machining, electronics, software, and automation, Peira delivers fast, high-quality solutions across the entire product lifecycle.

Axel Semrau, now part of Trajan Scientific and Medical, is a German-based company specializing in laboratory automation, chromatography, and analytical software solutions. With over 40 years of experience, Axel Semrau is known for its innovative technologies in sample preparation, gas analysis, and intelligent sequencing.

A key product is the CHRONECT platform, which integrates hardware and software to automate complex analytical workflows. This platform is widely used in food safety, environmental monitoring, and pharmaceutical research.

Since its acquisition by Trajan in 2021, Axel Semrau has expanded Trajan’s capabilities in Europe, complementing Trajan’s strengths in North America. Together, they aim to simplify and accelerate laboratory processes, with a shared focus on science that benefits people.

Techman Robot, distributed by Valk Welding, delivers advanced collaborative robot (cobot) solutions tailored for scientific research and laboratory automation. These compact, AI-enhanced cobots are designed to operate safely alongside human researchers, offering intelligent features that streamline and elevate lab workflows:

• AI-driven visual guidance for accurate sample handling and equipment positioning.
• Real-time defect detection and quality monitoring during experimental procedures.
• Automated inspection, sorting, and palletizing using integrated 3D vision systems.

In collaboration with Peira Scientific Instruments, Valk Welding is bringing the benefits of Techman cobots to laboratories across Belgium. This collaboration empowers research facilities with flexible, space-efficient, and automated solutions that enhance throughput, reduce manual workload, and support continuous operation—ideal for labs aiming to improve reproducibility, efficiency, and scalability in their scientific processes. into broader welding automation systems, enabling flexible, space-efficient, and unmanned production workflows. This approach enhances productivity, reduces reliance on manual labor, and supports 24/7 operation—making it ideal for industries facing labor shortages or seeking higher consistency in welding quality

Toolsquare.io is a smart equipment and lab management platform designed to help organizations maximize the use of their machines and tools. It offers an all-in-one solution that includes:

• Real-time equipment management
• Booking systems
• Access control
• Immediate issue reporting
• Data dashboards for insights into usage, users, and projects

The platform is particularly useful for research labs, universities, and shared workspaces, enabling better resource allocation, reduced downtime, and smarter investment decisions. Toolsquare also promotes cross-departmental collaboration by allowing safe and traceable equipment sharing