Source: Own illustration
Research data is the foundation of modern science, and its careful documentation is crucial for traceability and reusability. However, traditional paper lab books have their limitations. Electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) offer a digital alternative that simplifies work processes and makes research data available in the long term.
In 2024, RWTH Aachen University launched a pilot phase with the open-source system eLabFTW. Now an important milestone is approaching: on October 1, 2025, the ELN@RWTH service will officially go into regular operation – a reason to celebrate!
What Is an ELN?
An electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) is a software solution that replaces the traditional handwritten laboratory journal and digitizes its processes.
Protocols, observations, measurement results, texts, etc. can be recorded in an ELN, often directly via computers or mobile devices. An ELN often also includes features such as templates, inventory databases, versioning, collaboration options, or interfaces to other systems.
Reasons to Use an ELN
- Improved accessibility and collaboration: Data is digital, searchable, and easier to share with colleagues—even across institutional boundaries.
- Long-term availability and traceability: ELNs enable structured, versioned documentation, avoid illegible handwriting, and are less susceptible to damage or data loss.
- Increased efficiency and standardization: Templates or automatic log structures can be used to simplify recurring processes.
- Integration into the research data infrastructure: ELNs can be connected to repositories, databases, or archiving systems via interfaces such as REST APIs, allowing data to be seamlessly processed or published.
eLabFTW at RWTH: Insights Into the Product
In June 2024, RWTH began a pilot phase of the “ELN@RWTH” service, which is based on the open-source solution “eLabFTW” and is hosted as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) by the French company Deltablot. With eLabFTW, all steps of the research process can be documented in a traceable manner: the preparation and execution of experiments, the analysis of results, and the use of the equipment and materials employed.
Who Can Use ELN@RWTH?
The service is aimed at the following target groups at RWTH:
- Facilities – laboratories, research groups, and institutes that want to record their experimental data digitally, as well as central facilities that carry out measurements for environmental protection and occupational safety, for example.
- Employees – scientific and technical staff who carry out experiments or document research data.
- Students – especially those who perform laboratory work as part of internships, theses, or projects.
From the Pilot Phase to Regular Operation
With the pilot phase of eLabFTW, RWTH has opened a new chapter in research data management. The electronic lab notebook offers the opportunity to significantly improve documentation, collaboration, and data integration.
Now the next step is imminent: on October 1, 2025, the “ELN@RWTH” service provided by the IT Center will go into regular operation. In addition, there is now a second instance of the electronic lab notebook that can be used in teaching. This turns a pilot project into a central service for the entire university – an important milestone and a reason to celebrate!
ELN@RWTH is thus becoming a digital tool and a key component for open, traceable, and sustainable research.
Further Information
You can find out more about the service provided and how to apply for a team in eLabFTW on the IT Center Help pages.
The ELN@RWTH team would like to take this opportunity to express its sincere thanks to the pilot group for their cooperation and feedback over the past year!
Responsible for the content of this article is Lina-Louise Kaulbach.
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