What are electronic lab notebooks?
Electronic lab notebooks (ELN) are the digital equivalent of the classic paper lab notebook. Here, too, you can record your experimental procedures and their results in detail. Compared to its analogue predecessor, the digital version can make your work considerably easier, for example, when repeatedly entering similar experiments, importing and visualising data and working in teams.
Typical functions of ELNs
In general, ELNs can be divided into comparatively generic systems that are intended to cover the typical workflows of many research fields, and highly specialised systems with particular added value for specific disciplines. The following functions can be found in many software systems:
- Simple input of metadata via masks, often according to configurable schemas.
- templates to describe repetitive measurements in a straightforward way
- Links between different experiments
- extensive search functions
- import, export and visualisation of data
- Programming interfaces (APIs) for linking to other software systems
Finding an ELN for your group
The TU Darmstadt plans to offer the broadly usable ELN eLabFTW as a central service. This service is currently in test operation , in which you are welcome to participate.
If you are looking for a suitable ELN for your working group, the ELN-Finder will help you. In addition, the ELN Guide of the ZBMED (opens in new tab) offers information on the selection of ELNs.
If you need support in defining criteria or have already shortlisted individual tools and would like feedback on them, please contact us at tudata@tu-…