Hands-on experiences from 15 years of Electronic Laboratory Notebook (ELN) in Academia

The importance of electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) in research data management is explored as Ola narrates his initial encounters with ELNs and reflects on their evolution and implementation at Uppsala University. The discussion delves into the legal and regulatory frameworks governing research data in Sweden, emphasizing transparency and accessibility. It details the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) in data management, the technical infrastructure supporting ELAN, and advocates for robust data life cycle management.

The challenges of onboarding users to ELNs, the critical need for administrative support, and the benefits of standardized data documentation are underscored. Finally, the integration of ELNs with other systems and future enhancements is discussed, highlighting the overall positive impact on research efficiency and compliance.