1. 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

2. 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

3. 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.
To other tools and systems

4. Connectedness 1
Linking to files

5. 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

6. RSpace @ Goettingen, Edinburgh, Geneva, Freiburg, Julich, Baylor College of Medicine
Research
Data
Storage
Lab
file stores
Data
Data
Data

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

8. Integrating with Tools
Connectedness 2
Integrating with Tools

9. 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

10. Research
Data
Storage
Lab
file stores
Data
Data
Data

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

12. 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

13. Research
Data
Storage
Data, file links,
metadata,
and ORCID ID
Lab
file stores
Data

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

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