Introduction to eLabJournal: getting started with the Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN)
Introduction to eLabJournal: getting started with the Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN)
9 December 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
09 December 2025
Brussels - VUB Campus Etterbeek
Pleinlaan 2
1050 Brussels
Belgium
09 December 2025
Brussels - VUB Campus Etterbeek
The campus is well served by metro, tram and buses of MIVB and De Lijn. An overview of stops around the campus can be found on the access plan.
Plan your route with the planner of MIVB and De Lijn.
The campus is easily accessible by train. Etterbeek and Delta train stations are within walking distance. From Brussels Central Station, in addition to the train to Etterbeek station, you can also take metro line 5 to Pétillon stop or cycle 5 km to the campus. You can plan your trip to VUB with the NMBS route planner.
09 December 2025
Brussels - VUB Campus Etterbeek
Brussels is building a network of cycling routes so that cyclists can get around safely. You can use the Brussels Route Planner to find the fastest or safest cycling route in Brussels. To commute easily from Flanders, you can use the Cycle Highways.
On the Campus Map, you will find an overview of bike tracks spread across the campus. At Student Information (Building D) you find the largest bike parking. There are several Villo! Stations around the campus where you can take a bike with a subscription or ticket and return it to another Villo! Station of your choice.
Here you can find more information on cycling to VUB and in Brussels.
09 December 2025
Brussels - VUB Campus Etterbeek
Plan your route via maps.
Visitors can request access by car via this link. Enter the campus via entrance 6 on Triomflaan and park in the underground car park under building I.
Low Emission Zone: The campus is located in the low emission zone (LEZ) of Brussels Capital Region (BCR). If you come by car, check whether your car is allowed to drive in the LEZ. If your car doesn't meet the access criteria for the LEZ, then you can buy a day pass. Cars registered abroad must register for the LEZ unless they are registered in The Netherlands.