A Hands-On Example from a Molecular Genetics Laboratory (German Language)

We describe the implementation of the electronic lab notebook eLabFTW in the molecular genetics laboratory of child and adolescent psychiatry at the University Hospital Frankfurt. The transition from paper-based documentation to a digital system improved experiment traceability, collaboration, and overall workflow efficiency. We share practical insights gained from our daily use of eLabFTW, including strategies for creating, collaboratively editing, and managing experiments, as well as for building and using searchable database items. We discuss the advantages and limitations of electronic lab notebooks and reflect on challenges encountered during the transition process, highlighting approaches that facilitated successful adoption within our team. This presentation was part of the HeFDI Data Week, which focuses on research data management, data literacy, and research infrastructure services.