A few weeks ago, we shared our perspective on why spatial biology has been gathering momentum, and why its ability to integrate transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics in situ represents a genuine step change for biological research.

Last month we had the opportunity to test those ideas in practice.

At Spatial Biology: Sample to Discovery 2026, held at Newcastle University’s Frederick Douglass Centre in the Newcastle Helix innovation district, we welcomed more than 140 delegates from across industry, healthcare and academia.

Our aim was straightforward: to bring together people working across the spatial pipeline, from sample acquisition through to data analysis, and to listen carefully to what the community is experiencing in real research settings.

What emerged over the course of the day was both encouraging and refreshingly honest.

Spatial biology is delivering insight, but it is not yet frictionless

One of the strongest themes from the event was that spatial biology is already transforming how researchers think about tissue, disease and development. The scientific potential is clear, and enthusiasm across the community is high.

At the same time, there was broad agreement that spatial approaches remain expensive, time‑consuming and in need of continued optimisation. These challenges are actively being addressed by technology developers, research facilities and scientists themselves, but there was no pretence that they have been fully solved.

Rather than dampening enthusiasm, this realism enabled productive discussions. Conversations focused on where spatial methods add the greatest value, how experiments can be designed more efficiently, and how shared infrastructure and expertise can help lower barriers to access.

Analysis, not generation, is now the rate‑limiting step

We heard repeatedly that generating data is no longer the primary challenge. Interpreting it is.

This was a key message in the excellent keynote address given by Omer Bayraktar from the Wellcome Sanger Institute who discussed his work into the genetic components of severe autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. As he noted:

The human brain contains over 3,300 distinct cell types. The challenge is how to take into account spatial and connectional relationships between those cells.

Across areas such as embryonic and foetal development, cancer biology and therapy response, machine learning and advanced analytical approaches are driving discovery by enabling researchers to make sense of increasingly complex datasets. Spatial experiments are information‑rich by design, but without appropriate analytical frameworks, much of that potential can remain unrealised.

Spatial biology is not simply about adding another layer of data. Its real value lies in integration, interpretation and context, and in connecting molecular signals to location, structure and function in ways that meaningfully change the conclusions researchers are able to draw.

Multi‑omics is the direction of travel, but focus still matters

There was strong consensus that integrated, multi‑omic spatial datasets will play an increasingly important role in understanding disease mechanisms. Most biological conditions are multifactorial, and investigating transcriptional, protein and metabolic layers together offers a more accurate representation of biology as it operates in vivo.

However, one of the most practical takeaways from the day was that more data does not automatically lead to better outcomes.

Several speakers and delegates emphasised that carefully designed, targeted spatial analyses can often answer biological questions more effectively than whole‑transcriptome or whole‑proteome approaches.

A well‑composed target list, aligned to a clear hypothesis, can be transformative and significantly more accessible for laboratories of all sizes.

This emphasis on proportionate, question‑driven experimental design reflects a healthy and mature approach to adopting spatial technologies.

Collaboration is essential, not optional

Another clear message from the event was that no single group or facility can do everything in such a rapidly evolving field.

Innovation in spatial biology is moving at an extraordinary pace, which makes collaboration between facilities, disciplines and sectors increasingly important.

Some of the most valuable conversations took place outside the formal talks, where delegates shared practical experience, discussed limitations openly and explored how complementary expertise could accelerate progress.

Creating space for those conversations was a core motivation for the event, and it was encouraging to see new connections and potential collaborations forming over the course of the day.

A thriving community and the need for more forums like this

On a personal note, organising a conference of this scale is a significant undertaking and would not have been possible without the support of a dedicated conference team and a brilliant group of volunteers.

More importantly, the feedback we received confirmed something we strongly believe:

The spatial biology community is thriving, and there is a genuine appetite for opportunities to meet across sub‑disciplines.

Spatial biology is a broad and sometimes intimidating field, but it does not need to feel like an insurmountable challenge.

With the right facilities, collaborators and experimental design, spatial approaches can be made accessible, impactful and proportionate to the scientific question being asked.

Looking ahead

The discussions at Spatial Biology: Sample to Discovery reinforced many of the ideas we set out before the event, while also sharpening them through shared experience.

Spatial biology is delivering real insight. Costs are gradually coming down. Analytical tools are advancing rapidly. Perhaps most importantly, the community is open, collaborative and keen to share what works and what does not.

We would very much like to build on this momentum and run similar events in the future. If you are interested in spatial biology facilities at Newcastle University, or in being part of these ongoing conversations, I would be delighted to hear from you.

Thank you to the Technology Specialists Network: Research Technical Professional Opportunities, Knowledge and Skills (TSN ROKS) initiative and Newcastle University for supporting this event, and Illumina for sponsoring the poster competition.