The importance of being Connected Why ELNs need
The importance of being Connected Why ELNs need to integrate with other tools, systems and infrastructure that researchers use Presentation for University of Cambridge ELN workshop 13 January 2017
Currently, ELNs liberate research data from paper, but don’t allow links to files or data export, creating yet another silo Files ELN Repository Data Institutional file stores Lab Files Data Storage Box Dropbox ELN Repository Archive file stores Data Archive And leaving data and files separated and researchers and institutions unable to capture research data
What is RSpace? A ‘connected’ ELN that acts a link between data and tools used in research and a conduit between research and publishing Ø Connect to files Ø One Drive, Google Drive, Dropbox, Box Ø Institutional file stores Ø Lab file stores Ø Integrate with other tools Ø Word Ø Freezer sample management system (e. CAT) Ø Slack Ø Github Ø Mendeley Ø API user-generated integrations Ø Export data Ø In a variety of formats: Word, pdf, html, xml Ø To archives, e. g. DSpace @Cambridge Ø To other tools and systems
Connectedness 1 Linking to files
Why files are important Ø Your data is already on them! Ø Images Ø Sequencing data Ø The data is already structured Ø It’s not practical or desirable to move them into the ELN Ø But it’s critical that they can become part of the research record documented in the ELN Ø This is possible only if the ELN supports linking to files Ø Most ELNs don’t support this – it requires substantial back end and front end development
RSpace @ Goettingen, Edinburgh, Geneva, Freiburg, Julich, Baylor College of Medicine Research Data Storage Lab file stores Data
RSpace @ Harvard Medical School Q 1 2017 Research Data Storage Lab file stores Data
Connectedness 2 Integrating with Tools
An ELN should enhance your existing workflow and integrate with other tools you use Ø Tools are like files – you can’t do without them! Ø No ELN can support all the actions and workflows you use – beware the ‘complete’ solution Ø You want to be able to adopt new tools in a fast moving environment Ø Tool integration is like file linking – it let’s you incorporate important data into the research record kept in the ELN Ø An ELN that supports integration with tools is more effective because you get to use the specialist tools you want Ø An ELN that supports integration with tools is more sustainable because development is manageable
Research Data Storage Lab file stores Data
Connectedness 3 Exporting data to archives and other systems
Getting data out is critical Ø Ø Avoid another data silo Share data Support publishing workflow Exit strategy RSpace acts as a conduit rather than a Ø Powerful, configurable data export silo Ø Ø Document, folder, project, lab, system etc. level Individual user, PI, admin control Multiple formats using open standards: Word, PDF, HTML, XML Include ORCID IDs Ø Integrations with archives Ø Support publishing workflow Ø You control your data – easy exit at any time
Research Data Storage Data, file links, metadata, and ORCID ID Lab file stores Data
And by the way, RSpace is an excellent ELN. . . Ø Easy to get started and use Ø Fully featured Ø Great image management Ø Designed for university labs Ø PI, Lab Admin roles Ø Intuitive permissions Ø Enterprise features for institutional deployment Ø SSO Ø Multi-tiered admin Ø Inter-lab collaboration
13 January 2017 Data - Original format Original file name Logical location Links to large datasets Notes - Typed, dictated, photographed, videoed - Imported - Annotated The ELN Completed experiment - PDF Logical name Searching, sharing - Keywords, tags - Reviewing Local copy, independent of the ELN software Data - Linked to experiment - Logical location
13 January 2017 ELN solution for us? • Easy to use • From a students and technicians to senior postdocs (and PI? ) • Cross platform compatible • Windows, OSX, Linux (Android, i. OS? ) • Browser front end? Dedicated app? (No Java) • Generic, adaptable (work practises differ) • Sharing of data and experiments (within group) • Enforcing SOPs when needed • Templates for standard work to minimise repetition • Inputting of data from phones and other non-scientific Marko Hyvonen devices mh 256@cam. ac. uk
13 January 2017 ELN solution for us? • Import of data in some formats: • Spreadsheet (CSV), word processors • Understanding of wide range of (image) formats • Moderate editing of images and drawing of figures • Annotation neccessary • Storage of data • Raw and processed data, with meta data • Large datasets linked externally (file naming standard? ) • Local, automatic backups • Non-dependent dump of the experiments and data • Flexible access control • Sharing of experiments and data Marko Hyvonen mh 256@cam. ac. uk
Business model Ø RSpace Community Ø Free version for individual researchers, labs and collaborations Ø Free means free – including free data storage Ø RSpace Enterprise Ø Dedicated instance for institutions, departments, institutes and labs Ø Cloud and on premises options Ø £ 1, 000 + £ 70/user/year
Thank you! rmacneil@researchspace. com www. researchspace. com RSpace demo video
- Slides: 19