The Virtual Lab Manager: An Interactive AI-Agent Simulation Platform for Cyber Resilience and Quality Management in Medical Laboratory Science

The digitization of medical laboratories has introduced critical vulnerabilities, specifically the exponential rise of cyberattacks and complex LIS failures. However, current pedagogical approaches in laboratory management (e.g., BMS4001 - Medical Informatics and Laboratory Management) remain static, relying on passive lectures that cannot simulate the urgency or complexity of real-world digital crises. This educational gap leaves graduates ill-prepared for the high-stakes environment of modern clinical labs.This project introduces the "Virtual Lab Manager," an immersive educational platform driven by Large Language Models (LLMs). By deploying autonomous AI agents capable of adopting dynamic personas—ranging from compromised technicians to external threat actors—we create a secure, chat-based sandbox environment. Here, students must navigate simulated ransomware attacks and quality control drifts in real-time.This initiative directly addresses the HKMLT Board’s accreditation requirements for AI integration. By shifting from passive theory to active, team-based learning, the project ensures students develop the critical thinking and resilience necessary to secure and manage the next generation of digital laboratories.