Introduction to eLabJournal: getting started with the Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN)
Introduction to eLabJournal: getting started with the Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN)
22 September 2025, 13h00- 17h00
General context
Efficient documentation and collaboration are essential in any research environment. The eLabJournal serves as the central platform for managing experimental workflows, samples, and team communication. This introductory training offers a practical overview of how to use the Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) to streamline daily lab operations.
Participants will explore the platform’s core features — from documenting experiments and organizing samples to facilitating collaboration across research teams. The training is hands-on and designed to help users quickly become confident in navigating the system, improving productivity while ensuring compliance with research standards (e.g. FAIR principles).
- Explain the importance of the ELNs in research projects
- List the benefits of using eLabJournal in scientific workflows
- Differentiate the three core components of eLabJournal: inventory, protocols, and journal
- Create and organize experiments and experiment templates
- Configure inventory settings, including sample types and storage units
- Track samples, supplies, and equipment bookings
- Create and edit protocols within the platform
- Search and retrieve inventory and journal entries efficiently
- Use collaborative features such as sharing experiments and adding collaborators
- Develop a unified naming structure for samples, projects, studies, and experiments
The training combines theoretical instruction with hands-on activities. Participants receive a platform overview, followed by guided exercises to practice key functionalities. The session includes a coffee break and concludes with best practices for structuring research data in eLabJournal.
- No prior experience with eLabJournal is required.
- Participants must bring a laptop for hands-on activities.
Trainers
Matheus Lourenço
Matheus Lourenço is a science communication expert and trainer at VIB. A behaviour change specialist and Marie-Curie fellow with a joint PhD in Psychology from KU Leuven and Maastricht University, he pioneered innovative methodologies in tinnitus treatment and gathered accolades for his ability to make complex scientific approaches accessible to diverse audiences.
After completing his PhD, Matheus worked as a consultant to leading pharmaceutical companies, delivering strategic workshops worldwide. Now back in academia, he is committed to empowering researchers to communicate their work with clarity and impact, thereby strengthening the connection between science and society.
Liesbeth De Milde
Liesbeth has been a member of the Data Core team as the ELN Officer since 2023. She contributed to the selection process for a new ELN platform and was involved in its rollout. Liesbeth began her career at VIB in 2008, working with the groups of Dirk Inzé and Alain Goossens. Over the years, she has gained extensive experience that has been essential in supporting the effective operation of the laboratory.
Program
Introduction and overview of the eLabJournal
Coffee break (provided)
Hands-on activity and best practices with the eLabJournal
Practical info
22 September 2025
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Technologiepark 75
9052 Zwijnaarde
Belgium
22 September 2025
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
From Ghent Sint-Pieters station, you can take a bus to Technologiepark. Please check Routeplanner De Lijn for schedules.
22 September 2025
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Looking for a custom cycling route? Try the online cycling route planner to easily and quickly identify the fastest, safest and/or most scenic route to any destination in Ghent.
Cycling route planner
Shared bicycles:
Several providers are active in the area.
Take a look at their platforms:
- Indigo Weel Pro app
- Bluebike
- DOTT
- BOLT eBikes
- Donkey Republic
There are also some public bicycle pumps at the park.
22 September 2025
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
There is only one entrance to Technologiepark. At the entrance, please take a ticket - Parking is only allowed in regular parking spots (for instance in front of the building) and in the parking tower. Parking alongside the roads or in other places where there is no regular parking is prohibited.