A Whole New Lab: Transforming Research with ELNs (Electronic Lab Notebooks)

Presentation by Dr Samantha Pearman-Kanza on: A Whole New Lab: Transforming Research with ELNs (Electronic Lab Notebooks), for CAMS Data Analytics and SciY Presents FutureLab: Chemistry in the Digital Age.

Abstract: As scientific research communities strive to make data more FAIR—Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable, there has been a growing movement to adopt digital solutions in the laboratories. One of the tools that has emerged as a key part of this are Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs). ELNs have evolved significantly since their early adoption in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when they were primarily used in industry to streamline documentation and improve compliance. Over time, their use has expanded into academia, driven by the need for better data management, collaboration, and reproducibility. Today, ELNs are seen not just as digital replacements for paper notebooks, but as central components of a modern, FAIR-aligned research infrastructure. However, their implementation is a complex sociotechnical challenge, requiring thoughtful planning, cultural change, and ongoing support and engagement. This talk will explore the complex landscape of ELN implementation, the barriers and considerations, and what it truly takes to make digital lab records work for researchers, institutions, and the wider scientific community.