22 Oct Led by Science: Our Approach to Cannabis Research and Analysis
At Fluence, we believe that staying ahead in the rapidly evolving world of cannabis cultivation requires more than just cutting-edge technology—it demands a dedication to rigorous scientific inquiry and data-driven decision making. At the 6th PHOTOx conference, our research team had the opportunity to share insights into how we’re pushing the boundaries of cannabis lighting and science.
Beyond Selling Lights: Our Mission to Help You Grow Smarter
Dr. Dave Hawley, the Principal Research Scientist at Fluence, opened the presentation by emphasizing that the Fluence mission goes far beyond simply selling lights:
“Our mission is not to sell you lights, it’s ultimately to help you guys grow smarter.”
This philosophy underpins everything we do at Fluence, from our research projects to our customer interactions.
Our Research Process: A Collaborative Effort
We outlined our research process, which begins with a collaborative effort to solicit feedback from our customers—both external growers and internal stakeholders. We’re not just looking for specific product requests, but rather seeking to understand the outcomes growers need to achieve. This customer-centric approach allows us to focus on solving real-world problems rather than pushing technology for its own sake.
Once we identify a research question, our team examines existing academic literature and our own previous studies. If new research is needed, we design experiments that can be executed in commercial-like settings, ensuring results that are relevant to real-world growing operations.
Experimental Design: The Foundation of Our Reliable Research
Brian Poole, our cannabis research project manager, dove into the details of our experimental approach. Key aspects include:
- Fast-paced research cycles: Conducted at Texas Original, our studies run on 8-week crop cycles, allowing for rapid iteration and testing.
- Commercial realism: By conducting research in a working commercial facility, we can validate our technologies in real-world conditions.
- Controlled access: Unlike public research consortia, we can maintain some control over who accesses our studies, allowing for more innovative and potentially proprietary research.
- Creative experimentation: Because Texas Original is an extract-only operation, we can push the boundaries in ways that might not be feasible in facilities focused on sellable flower.
- Purpose-built research chambers: At the new Texas Original facility, we will have special chambers for testing extreme environmental conditions, as well as smaller chambers for more targeted experiments.
Brian emphasized the importance of considering factors like genetics, plant health, and environmental microclimates when designing experiments. He even highlighted how the position of plants within a greenhouse can impact results, underscoring the need for replication and randomization in our study designs.
The Data Science Difference: Turning Raw Data into Actionable Insights
Dr. Jason Matlock, Fluence’s data scientist, provided a deep dive into the complexities of analyzing real-world experimental data. Jason used a case study that details the relationship between far-red light and photobleaching to walk through the challenges and pitfalls of data interpretation.
Key takeaways from Jason’s presentation include:
- The importance of sufficient replication
- The need for comparable data sets
- The value of domain knowledge
- The power of statistical analysis
- The danger of premature conclusions
Jason emphasized that data science is not just about crunching numbers—it’s about combining statistical expertise with domain knowledge to extract meaningful, actionable insights from complex datasets.
Bridging Research and Real-World Application
Taylor Kirk, representing our Horticulture Services Team, explained how their work forms a crucial bridge between the scientific findings and practical application in grow operations around the world. The team provides:
- On-site support for growers implementing new technologies or techniques
- Assistance with designing and executing trials and proof-of-concept studies
- Training on how to apply research findings in commercial settings
- A feedback loop to inform future research directions based on real-world experiences
Taylor emphasized the value of this “entourage effect” within our team, where the combination of research, data science, and practical growing expertise creates outcomes greater than the sum of their parts.
Our Commitment to Collaborative Science in Advancing Cannabis Cultivation
Throughout the presentation, our team emphasized our commitment to scientific rigor and data-driven decision making. By combining careful experimental design, sophisticated data analysis, and real-world validation, we’re able to provide growers with actionable insights backed by robust evidence.
This approach not only helps us develop better products but also assists growers in optimizing their operations. As Dave pointed out, without this level of due diligence, companies risk investing millions in products that don’t actually benefit their customers—or worse, might harm them.
An Invitation to the Industry
We concluded with an invitation to the broader cannabis cultivation community. We encourage growers to reach out for support in enhancing their own research and data practices, whether that means assistance with trial design or help interpreting existing datasets.
This collaborative approach to advancing the science of cannabis cultivation underscores a key message: in an industry as complex and rapidly evolving as cannabis, no single company or grower has all the answers. By working together, sharing knowledge, and committing to rigorous scientific methods, we believe the industry as a whole can grow smarter and more efficient.
As the cannabis industry continues to mature and face new challenges—from changing regulations to increasing energy costs—we at Fluence are committed to leading with science, driven by data, and realized through collaboration. For growers looking to stay competitive in this dynamic industry, we believe embracing these principles is key to long-term success.