#000 - Start

June 26, 2025

Today marks the beginning of something new. A shift — not just in how I work, but in how I think, learn, and evolve professionally. This is the first in a series of blog entries documenting my journey into the world of lab digitalization and automation. Not as an expert in IT, not as a software engineer or electrical wizard, but as a seasoned lab scientist looking to adapt.

Chemistry meets Code and Robotics

With over a decade of experience in chemical applications and lab work, I’ve accumulated a deep understanding of experimental science—everything from planning and running reactions to handling complex instrumentation and writing detailed protocols. What I lack, however, is a formal background in software, robotics, or data engineering—skills that are becoming increasingly essential in today’s digitized lab environments.

I studied organic chemistry the traditional way: pipettes, fume hoods, and reaction mechanisms. We did use Excel and some basic simulations, but nothing close to the comprehensive digital workflows or automated systems seen today. Yet now, machine learning models can predict chemical reactions. Python has become the new language of scientific problem-solving. And the rise of generative AI has opened doors that didn’t even exist when I graduated.

Why I’m Sharing This

I’ve realized that transitioning into this new digital landscape requires more than just learning new tools—it requires change. And not just technological change, but personal growth, honest reflection, and realistic planning. That’s what this logbook is about.

I’ve searched far and wide—on Reddit, LinkedIn, YouTube, and even using ChatGPT—for a clear, structured guide to help scientists like me make this leap. I haven’t found one. So I’ve decided to build my own.

This series will document my path:

• Learning the digital and automation skills I need (without trying to earn a second degree).

• Prototyping tools — sometimes overengineered, but always instructive.

• Reflecting on mistakes, wins, and learnings.

• Building a digital knowledge base, a sort of "memory twin", that captures and evolves with me.

  
  

Honesty, Tools, and the Long Game

In academia, it’s often taboo to admit gaps in knowledge. But honesty is crucial here. I’m not pretending to have all the answers—I’m mapping out the questions and tackling them one by one.

There are amazing tools out there: automation kits, no-code platforms, online courses. I’ll use them. I’ll also apply principles like Pareto (focusing on the 20% that gets me 80% there) and KISS ("Keep It Simple, Stupid") to avoid the trap of perfectionism. Because this is not about building the flashiest robot—it's about developing useful, scalable skills that empower scientific progress.

What Comes Next

I’ll continue recording voice logs, transcribing them, and turning them into meaningful posts—both for myself and for others who might walk a similar path. I hope this blog becomes a resource, a reality check, and maybe even a bit of inspiration.

This is the start. Not just of a blog, but of a personal transformation—from chemist to digital chemist.

Let’s see where it goes - wish me luck!

Best, Alex