A multiwell plate assembly comprising: (i) one or more plate top portions, each plate top portion comprising a plurality of wells for holding chemical reactants, and a substantially planar deck portion connecting said wells in an ordered array, said deck portion comprising a top surface, a bottom surface and a perimeter; (ii) a substantially rigid frame portion for holding said plate top portion(s), said frame portion comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, a top surface and a bottom surface, an aperture in said top surface being adapted to accommodate one or more plate top portions; (iii) securing means adapted to secure the plate top portion(s) to the frame portion.