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

And leaving data and files separated and researchers and Currently, ELNs liberate research data from paper, but don’t allow links to files or data export, creating yet another silo Files Repository ELN Storage Repository Archive Box Dropbox ELN Data Data Files Files Institutional file stores Lab file stores Archive Data Data Data 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 Connect to files One Drive, Google Drive, Dropbox, Box Institutional file stores Lab file stores Integrate with other tools Word Freezer sample management system (eCAT) Slack Github Mendeley API  user-generated integrations Export data In a variety of formats: Word, pdf, html, xml To archives, e.g. DSpace @Cambridge To other tools and systems

Connectedness 1 Linking to files

Why files are important Your data is already on them! Images Sequencing data The data is already structured It’s not practical or desirable to move them into the ELN But it’s critical that they can become part of the research record documented in the ELN This is possible only if the ELN supports linking to files 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 Data Data

RSpace @ Harvard Medical School Q1 2017 Research Data Storage Lab file stores Data Data Data

Integrating with Tools Connectedness 2 Integrating with Tools

An ELN should enhance your existing workflow and integrate with other tools you use Tools are like files – you can’t do without them! No ELN can support all the actions and workflows you use – beware the ‘complete’ solution You want to be able to adopt new tools in a fast moving environment Tool integration is like file linking – it let’s you incorporate important data into the research record kept in the ELN An ELN that supports integration with tools is more effective because you get to use the specialist tools you want An ELN that supports integration with tools is more sustainable because development is manageable

Research Data Storage Lab file stores Data Data Data

Exporting data to archives and other systems Connectedness 3 Exporting data to archives and other systems

Getting data out is critical Avoid another data silo Share data Support publishing workflow Exit strategy RSpace acts as a conduit rather than a silo Powerful, configurable data export Document, folder, project, lab, system etc. level Individual user, PI, admin control Multiple formats using open standards: Word, PDF, HTML, XML Include ORCID IDs Integrations with archives Support publishing workflow 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 . . . Easy to get started and use Fully featured Great image management Designed for university labs PI, Lab Admin roles Intuitive permissions Enterprise features for institutional deployment SSO Multi-tiered admin Inter-lab collaboration

The ELN Data Notes Searching, sharing Completed experiment Data Original format Original file name Logical location Links to large datasets Notes Typed, dictated, photographed, videoed Imported Annotated The ELN Searching, sharing Keywords, tags Reviewing Local copy, independent of the ELN software Completed experiment PDF Logical name Data Linked to experiment Logical location

ELN solution for us? Easy to use Cross platform compatible From a students and technicians to senior postdocs (and PI?) Cross platform compatible Windows, OSX, Linux (Android, iOS?) 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 devices

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

Business model RSpace Community Free version for individual researchers, labs and collaborations Free means free – including free data storage RSpace Enterprise Dedicated instance for institutions, departments, institutes and labs Cloud and on premises options £1,000 + £70/user/year

Thank you! rmacneil@researchspace.com www.researchspace.com RSpace demo video