Science on the back burner: European laboratories struggle with massive restrictions.

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.

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 product manufacturer Starlab, of 378 laboratory employees from five countries paints an alarming picture.
Although the supply of laboratory materials has returned to normal after the pandemic-related fluctuations, staff shortages, increasing cost pressures and the economic slowdown are putting a heavy burden on the life science industry. 64 percent of the laboratories surveyed have already introduced cost-cutting measures. 58 percent report concrete budget cuts, while 42 percent are forced to prioritise areas for research. "This development endangers not only individual research projects, but also the competitiveness and innovative strength of entire science locations," warns Klaus Ambos, Managing Director of Starlab International GmbH.

The outlook for the laboratory industry is sober: 37 percent of those surveyed expect a negative economic development by the end of 2025, while only 15 percent are optimistic about the future. The remaining 48 percent are undecided. "The fact that almost half do not want to commit indicates that neither a positive nor negative trend has solidified. Therefore, it's not too late to turn things around," says Ambos.

The situation in Germany is particularly critical: Here, only 15 percent of laboratories expect budgets to increase – the lowest figure in a European comparison. With a 22.5 percent decline in material consumption in 2024, German facilities are also recording the sharpest cuts.