With the implementation of eLabNext’s digital lab platform, researchers at Erasmus MC no longer waste time searching through paper notes or retrieving lost information. Researchers can now fully focus on what truly matters: conducting top-level research and ground-breaking fundamental studies that advance healthcare and societal well-being.

Diana Dufour-van den Goorbergh, Project Lead

About Erasmus MC

Erasmus MC, based in Rotterdam, Netherlands, is a leading university medical center dedicated to conducting cutting-edge medical research, providing excellent clinical care and delivering high-quality education. As one of the largest and most prestigious medical centers in Europe, Erasmus MC is home to an impressive 193 research groups, specializing in a vast number of research areas, from heart disease to cancer, immunotherapy, epidemiology and much more. The center’s mission is to improve the health of the population by pursuing excellence in these areas.

Goals

Short-term: Erasmus MC sought to replace its traditional paper-based documentation and fragmented digital tools with a comprehensive and user-friendly platform. The immediate goal was to streamline research documentation, inventory management, and collaboration across its 193 research groups.

Long-term: In the long term, Erasmus MC aims to enhance research efficiency, increase collaboration among research teams, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. By integrating eLabNext’s digital lab platform, Erasmus MC strives to support sustainable practices and maintain the highest level of scientific integrity in its world-class research efforts.

Challenges

Before adopting eLabNext’s platform, research labs at Erasmus MC relied heavily on paper lab notebooks and decentralized digital tools for experiment documentation, sample tracking and data management. This led to several challenges:

• Inefficiency in information sharing: Paper-based methods made it difficult to access, share, and retrieve important research data, slowing down collaboration between researchers.
• Fragmented data storage: Physical samples and digital data were stored in freezers, filing cabinets, and local drives, making it time-consuming to locate relevant information.
• Inconsistent data management: Handwritten notes were prone to human error, complicating data integrity, reproducibility, and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Collaboration barriers: Sharing experimental data with colleagues and external partners required manual processes like scanning documents or emailing files, adding unnecessary complexity to workflows.

To address these issues, Erasmus MC developed "Research Suite," a comprehensive IT-infrastructure designed to integrate various tools and systems, including eLabNext’s digital lab platform, to support efficient and reproducible scientific research. Erasmus MC’s Research Suite is based on the FAIR data principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable).

Solution

Erasmus MC implemented eLabNext’s digital lab platform as part of its broader Research Suite initiative. The platform was selected after a rigorous evaluation process, which included focus groups, workshops, and feedback from end-users. The key benefits of eLabNext’s platform included:

• Seamless data management: eLabNext provided Erasmus MC with a secure, centralized platform for documenting experiments, managing sample inventories, and storing research data.
• User-friendly interface: The platform’s ease of use was a significant factor in its selection. Researchers were able to quickly adapt to the system, which facilitated its integration into daily operations.
• Cloud-based accessibility: Researchers can access their data from anywhere, allowing for greater flexibility and collaboration across research groups.
• Sustainability: The platform’s integration with Erasmus MC’s LEAF program (Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework) supports sustainable lab practices, reducing waste and improving energy efficiency.

The transition to eLabNext’s platform was carefully managed, with research groups already using cloud-based solutions being the first to migrate. The implementation process involved training workshops, follow-up meetings, and ongoing support, ensuring a smooth transition for all users.

Results

The adoption of eLabNext’s digital lab platform has led to transformative improvements in Erasmus MC’s research processes. One of the most notable changes has been the significant increase in efficiency. Researchers no longer need to manage physical notebooks or spend time searching for scattered data across different storage systems. With real-time tracking of samples and easy access to digital records, the speed of research processes has dramatically improved, allowing researchers to focus more on their scientific inquiries rather than administrative tasks.

Collaboration within Erasmus MC has also been enhanced due to the platform’s centralized nature. The 1,380 active users across 193 research groups can now share data seamlessly and collaborate on experiments regardless of their location. This has fostered a more integrated research environment, promoting teamwork and innovation across departments.

Additionally, the platform’s robust documentation tools have significantly improved data integrity. The structured and traceable format of eLabNext ensures that experimental data is recorded consistently, which is crucial for reproducibility and compliance with regulatory standards. The ability to securely store and access this data has improved the reliability of Erasmus MC’s research outputs.

Furthermore, the platform has contributed to Erasmus MC’s sustainability goals, particularly through its integration with the LEAF program. By minimizing the use of paper and streamlining resource management, the platform has helped reduce the environmental impact of the institution’s laboratories. This commitment to sustainability aligns with Erasmus MC’s broader mission to improve healthcare through responsible and innovative practices.

Future plans

Erasmus MC plans to continue expanding its use of eLabNext’s digital lab platform as it seeks to further optimize research processes and encourage sustainable practices. With the comprehensive Research Suite now fully implemented, Erasmus MC is well-positioned to maintain its leadership in cutting-edge medical research.

As part of its ongoing commitment to innovation and collaboration, Erasmus MC is working to strengthen partnerships with other institutions through the eLabNext national user group initiative. By fostering a community of eLabNext users, Erasmus MC, chair of the national user group since 2022, aims to share best practices, drive the development of new platform features, and contribute to the advancement of the digital lab platform.

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