Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELNs) ****************************************************************************************** * ****************************************************************************************** An ELN is a software tool that, at its most basic level, replicates an interface similar t paper laboratory notebook. In an ELN, you can electronically input protocols, observations, notes, and other data and ELNs can also manage inventories of samples, reagents, and other supplies, as well as trac maintenance schedules. ****************************************************************************************** * What are the benefits of using an ELN? ****************************************************************************************** • ELNs support FAIR [ URL "OSCIEN-50.html "] principles, data management, and the creation management plans. [ URL "OSCIEN-49.html "]   • ELNs enable project leaders to oversee research effectively.  • ELNs facilitate easier data and documentation sharing with colleagues and collaborators. • ELNs can prevent data loss, such as when an employee leaves.  • ELNs eliminate issues with unreadable/damaged/lost paper records.  • ELNs can be customized and integrated with other software.  • The operation of ELNs can be funded by scientific projects.  • Additionally, ELNs can provide specialized scientific tools for drawing chemical structu biology.  ****************************************************************************************** * There is no "one-size-fits-all" ELN, so what should be considered? ****************************************************************************************** • The type of science and specific features needed.  • Established procedures and preferences. • Institutional policies.  • The level of data security required.  • Budget constraints.  • Setting up an ELN requires time and careful planning.  • The laboratory will need to decide how data will be organized and shared.  • Larger laboratories or those with extensive inventories should consider appointing a ded steward. ****************************************************************************************** * Will my data be secure in an ELN? ****************************************************************************************** • ELNs typically offer robust security and audit features.  • ELNs generally meet the requirements for secure data management.  • ELNs use two-factor authentication and maintain unique login credentials.  • The security of an ELN is only as good as the security protocols of its users.  ****************************************************************************************** * How Do ELNs Generally Work? ****************************************************************************************** Researchers can create and secure records, share information with colleagues and collabora records from former team members. The degree of sharing is determined by local regulations features, and settings. Accesses can be managed in ELNs in various ways and can be linked to the specific structur Central recommendations encounter the complexity of considering all the demands of a parti laboratory/team, including institutional financial requirements. The following examples ar in the general recommendation phase and require gradual implementation. They are a combina recommendations from the national ELN implementation group at EOSC [ URL "https://datamate notebooks.html"] and commonly used software. ****************************************************************************************** * Current Recommendations for OpenSource Software for ELNs in the UK: ****************************************************************************************** Kadi4Mat "Kadi4Mat is the Karlsruhe Data Infrastructure for Materials Science, an open source softw research data.The goal of this project is to combine the ability to manage and exchange da repository component, with the possibility to analyze, visualize and transform said data, lab notebook (ELN) component." - Kadi4Mat [ URL "https://kadi.iam.kit.edu/"] SciNote "SciNote is a cloud-based ELN software with lab inventory, compliance, & team management t FDA, USDA and scientists in 100+ countries." - SciNote [ URL "https://www.scinote.net/"] elabFTW "With eLabFTW you get a secure, modern and compliant system to track your experiments effi manage your lab with a powerful and versatile database." - elabFTW [ URL "https://www.elab openBIS "Complete solution to managing your research data." - openBIS [ URL "https://openbis.ch/"] JupyterNotebook "The Jupyter Notebook is the original web application for creating and sharing computation offers a simple, streamlined, document-centric experience." - JupyterNotebook [ URL "https Sciformation "Together with the MPI für Kohlenforschung, we have developed Sciformation ELN. It combine a database for analytical data, a workflow for samples and analyses (LIMS), features to bo track maintenance works, a chemical inventory, a an in-house ordering system and a literat Sciformation [ URL "http://Sciformationhttps://sciformation.com/sciformation_eln.html?lang ****************************************************************************************** * Current Recommendations for Free Software for ELNs and Notes in the UK: ****************************************************************************************** Benchling "The only biology-first platform for scientific data, collaboration, and insights." - Benc "https://www.benchling.com/"] Confluence "Intuitive structure makes set up, creation, and discovery easy." - Confluence [ URL "http www.atlassian.com/software/confluence/features"] Evernote "Evernote is a powerful tool for managing your tasks right alongside all of the informatio every day." - Evernote [ URL "https://evernote.com/"] ****************************************************************************************** * General Methodology for ELN Implementation: ****************************************************************************************** • Select the right tool for each lab individually. • Establish own operational procedures based on recommendations/already tested methods. • Adhere to institutional data policy. [ URL "https://cuni.cz/UKEN-1958.html"] • Ensure training on new ELN systems: • monitor infrastructure needs – use of repositories, support. • train the entire lab at once. • avoid the "blank page syndrome." • focus training on typical workflows. • address specific needs. • provide existing examples of data organization and ELN usage. • identify key users and software in use. • utilize provided documentation and tutorials from the ELN supplier. • Leverage existing user groups and set access permissions. • Consider different methods of organizing ELNs, such as by project or person – organizati hybrid organization options. • role of the administrator – adding projects, checking, organizing. • provide standards, naming conventions for projects, studies, experiments. • use keywords and tags. • Employ industry standards for data organization – file organization, naming conventions, etc. • Archive completed experiments – S3 storage at CESNET. • Ensure and distribute rights and ownership, handle employee departures, user access revo • Report to suppliers for functionality improvements – through individuals, teams, faculty institution. ****************************************************************************************** * Additional Links for ELNs: ****************************************************************************************** Comparison of ELNs by Longwood Medical Area Research Data Management Working Group (LMA RD "https://zenodo.org/records/4723753"]   Comparison of ELNs by the National Group for Material Sciences:Link [ URL "https://datamat elab-notebooks.html"]   ELNs for Intellectual Property Preservation:Link [ URL "https://astrixinc.com/blog/lab-inf selecting-eln-maximize-ip-protection/"]   General Webinar on ELNs: Link [ URL "https://youtu.be/-MAIuaOL64I?si=ebYAOQNZGWHkSUiU"]