Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN)

Lab notebooks are used by researchers to document the planning, implementation and evaluation of scientific experiments and the research data generated in the process.

Electronic lab notebooks (ELN) in digital format should fulfill criteria for research data management for funding providers such as the DFG.

A matrix with relevant parameters for selecting an ELN: Decision-making criteria for an ELN.

We can support you with selecting your ELN, since choosing the most suitable solution is of strategic significance.

  • Efficient work through standardization, search functions and filter options
  • Traceability and verifiability of research results
  • Collaboration possible with individual access rights
  • Networked digital research environment
  • Reusability of data, e.g. as part of analyses carried out by AI
  • Preparation for publication and long-term archiving of research data

Various aspects play a role when deciding to use specific software. In addition to the functions, these include evaluability, exit strategy, Data storage location, compatibility, complexity/learning effort, configuration, costs, long-term use and, last but not least, the documentation available and the support.

A comparison of several different aspects is available at decision-making criteria for an ELN and we are happy to advise you via email at cdi-eln-support@fau.de.

ELN software currently offered by FAU CDI

The following systems are open source and are operated by CDI at the RRZE. Costs are charged once per project, irrespective of the number of users.

Entry-level ELN. Offers simple unstructured data recording. Extended use for research data management (FAIR criteria) is easy to implement via structural elements that can be freely defined.

Structured data recording usually with specialist adaptations. Covers the entire data lifecycle from project initiation and data production and analysis up to the provision of scientific data for the public including long-term archiving. Complex start.

File-based structured recording of research data. High development speed by means of connection to the NFDI FAIRmat consortium.

Other ELN systems

Advantage: Optimized for lab documentation (web lab) and simple to use. Not much focus on reusability of data and research data management. Commercial software, data storage in the cloud, costs charged annually per account used.

Further information available via the documentation provided by the Faculty of Medicine.