The need to make research data FAIR – i.e. findable, accessible, interoperable and ready for reuse in new projects – has led to the development of tools such as electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs), which are particularly well known in disciplines such as chemistry. But beyond that, browser-based ELNs enable simple, structured, digital – and therefore easily searchable – storage of all important information about the project, the experiments and the collected data itself. Recording experimental data and the associated contexts (a.k.a. metadata) in an ELN, sorted by sessions, groups, projects and other aspects, is a very good alternative to the previous paper-and-pencil approach. The use of templates also simplifies documentation, as recurring information is already stored and data collection for all experimental sessions is regulated uniformly. In addition to the actual research data, scripts for analyses can also be linked to the project, enabling complete documentation. An API connection enables error-free transfer of data from devices to the ELN as well as to analysis scripts, which also allows the results to be transferred back to the ELN.

Take aways:

• learn the concept of electronic lab notebooks (ELNs);
• learn relevant RDM aspects for the use of ELNs;
• practical session.

Target group: scientific staff, PhD students, PostDocs, lab managers, research support staff.

No prior knowledge required.

Date: 28.05.2026

Format: online.

Duration: 9:00 - 12.30

Workshop language: English.

Trainer: Dr. Sven Paßmann (Zentraleinrichtung Computer- und Medienservice, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin).

Fee: free.

Registration form (limited spots!)