Source: Own illustration
The big moment has arrived! The innovative electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) service, ELN@RWTH, officially began regular operations on October 1, 2025. We are excited to celebrate this significant milestone with you! Read on to learn everything about the background and numerous advantages of the ELN@RWTH service.
ELN@RWTH: Background and Technology
In June 2024, RWTH Aachen University began the pilot phase of the ELN@RWTH service. Based on the open-source solution eLabFTW, it is operated as software as a service (SaaS) by the French company Deltablot.
The web-based platform enables the seamless documentation of the entire research process — from experiment planning and execution to result analysis and equipment and materials recording. Thanks to role-based rights management, audit trails, and REST API interfaces, eLabFTW can be operated securely and seamlessly connected to other research data services.
Another new feature is a second instance of the electronic laboratory notebook specifically designed for teaching purposes. Students can now benefit from the advantages of structured, digital documentation during practicals and demonstrations in lectures.
With its transition to regular operation on October 1, 2025, ELN@RWTH will become a central service for all RWTH Aachen University researchers, representing an important step toward an open, transparent, and sustainable research culture.
The Advantages of an ELN
An electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) offers many advantages. Digital data is more easily accessible and searchable. It can also be shared with colleagues without any hassle, even across institutions. Structured, versioned documentation ensures long-term availability and eliminates illegible handwriting.
Additionally, templates and automated protocol structures increase workflow efficiency and save valuable time. Thanks to interfaces such as REST APIs, the ELN can be seamlessly integrated into existing systems, repositories, or databases.
Who Can Use ELN@RWTH?
The service is available to various target groups within RWTH. These include research institutions that want to digitally record experimental data; employees who conduct experiments or document research data; and students who perform laboratory work, such as for internships.
Further Information
All details on using ELN@RWTH, setting up teams in eLabFTW, and useful step-by-step instructions can be found at IT Center Help.
If you have any questions or encounter any problems, our IT-ServiceDesk is always available to help.
Have you gained experience with ELN@RWTH? What are your impressions? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
Responsible for the content of this article is Lina-Louise Kaulbach.
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