Research and Lab Notebooks

Researchers can benefit by keeping a systematic record of their research. For many disciplines, this may take the form of a diary or notebook to record ideas, articles and references. Laboratory-based researchers usually complete lab notebooks as crucial components of data management. Look to the local practices in your research group or lab for guidance.
Research/lab notebooks can play an important role in:

• Supporting claims relating to intellectual property developed by University researchers;
• Defending claims of scientific fraud;
• Showing research is patent worthy during a patent registration process;
• Demonstrating adherence to standards of good practice, academic and ethical integrity;
• Demonstrating compliance with contractual provisions permitting sponsors to audit work carried out in pursuit of sponsored research.

Thorough and effective management of laboratory data and the routine documentation of all lab procedures is a highly important responsibility for all researchers.

If you want to learn more about the electronic lab notebook system at VIB, please see these tutorials