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Research Data Management

Electronic Lab Notebooks

An Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) is a software tool that in its most basic form replicates an interface much like a page in a paper lab notebook. In an ELN you can enter protocols, observations, notes, and other data using your computer or mobile device. ELNs offer several advantages over traditional paper notebooks, including:

  • facilitate good data management practices
  • provide data security
  • support auditing
  • allow collaboration

Some ELNs can also manage inventories of samples, reagents, and other supplies, as well as keeping track of equipment and equipment maintenance schedules. Additionally, some ELNs provide specialist scientific tools for chemical drawing or molecular biology. There is no “one-size-fits-all” ELN. Your lab will need to consider a number of different factors before selecting the ELN platform that best meets your needs. These factors include:

  • The type of science that you do and the specific features that you need
  • Your lab’s established practices and preferences
  • Institutional policies
  • The security level of your data
  • Your budget

Open Science Framework can be used as an ELN. You can build your own from scratch or you can start from one of the templates listed below by forking the project.

See this webinar for more information: https://youtu.be/2RUJLkQBDNw