Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELNs) have become essential and often institutionally required tools for modern scientific research, generating large amounts of digital objects including documents, notebooks, folders, projects, etc. These objects are crucial for recording the research process and provide unique context for research results and downstream research data. However, the lack of standardized metadata schemas for these digital artifacts limits their discoverability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability. While physical samples benefit from established schemas like IGSN, ELN objects lack equivalent standardization.
This presentation introduces our ongoing work with DataCite to use and potentially extend their metadata schema to effectively describe ELN digital objects, exemplified by RSpace. We will demonstrate how our current approach maps ELN-specific attributes to the DataCite metadata schema, addressing unique challenges such as versioning, permissions, and relationships between digital lab objects.
We will present preliminary mappings between RSpace ELN objects and DataCite schema elements, highlighting gaps where extensions or modifications may be necessary. Critically, we recognize that establishing widely applicable standards requires perspectives from the wider research community. Therefore, we invite collaboration from ELN users, developers, and metadata specialists to contribute to refining these mappings.
All material uploaded here was presented at the HMC Conference in May 2025. Other contribution will not be accepted.
", "organizations": [ { "id": "04v4h0v24" } ], "page": "The countdown is on for the HMC Conference 2025, and we are excited to invite you to join us for an inspiring event that promises to be a hub of innovation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. As research data landscapes evolve, metadata plays a crucial role in ensuring FAIRness, interoperability, and long-term usability.
\nThis year, the HMC Conference will take place for the fourth time BUT first time as an in-person event in Cologne from May, 12-14 May 2025 and we'll be placing a special emphasis on personal exchange, strengthening the community, and laying the groundwork for a conference that will grow in impact in the years to come.
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Why Should You Attend?
The HMC Conference 2025 offers a dynamic platform for professionals from all disciplines to come together and shape the future of metadata management. Whether you are a researcher, data steward, software developer, or infrastructure provider, the event promises to deliver valuable insights, spark engaging discussions, and open doors for new collaborations.
\nBy attending, you will:
\nGain Knowledge: Stay ahead of the curve awith insights into the latest metadata developments and best practices.
\nEngage in Hands-On Learning: Participate in interactive sessions and workshops, where you can dive deeper into real-world applications.
\nExpand Your Network: Connect with experts, thought leaders, and peers across various domains to foster long-lasting professional relationships.
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What’s on the Agenda?
This year, we are offering a variety of formats to ensure that everyone has a chance to share, learn, and connect:
\nTalks: Present your research, methodologies, or challenges to a broad audience.
\nPosters & Pitches: Showcase your work in a more concise, interactive setting.
\nDemos: Highlight live tools, prototypes, and innovations that are shaping the future of metadata management.
\nWorkshops & Tutorials: Engage in in-depth sessions on specialized topics with experienced facilitators.
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Conference Themes
The conference will focus on a range of critical topics in metadata management, including i.e.:
\nHuman Actors in the FAIR Data Landscape: Exploring the role of people in driving FAIR data practices.
\nMetrics, Tools, and Workflows for Metadata Assessment: Examining the best ways to assess metadata quality and effectiveness.
\nAI/ML Solutions for Metadata Management: Discover how artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming metadata practices.
\nInfrastructure and Practices for Data Fabric: Discussing the creation of a robust, interoperable data infrastructure.
\nCommunity-Driven Initiatives: Enabling and incentivizing community involvement in metadata management efforts.
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We’re looking forward to lively discussions and learning from the diverse perspectives of participants. Whether you’re presenting a paper, sharing your experiences, or simply soaking up knowledge, there will be something for everyone.