Case Studies

Prof. Dr. Marc Armbrüster

Material for Innovative Energy Concepts research group at TU Chemnitz

“Labfolder holds a central position in our daily work. It has replaced the conventional lab book (…) especially the easy sharing of information”

Could you tell us a bit about your research and what you find exciting about it?

With our research we contribute to the energy turnaround, i.e. we are developing materials which enable the chemical energy conversion of power-to-X and vice versa. The main focus is on the sustainable generation of hydrogen by water splitting and the use of methanol as energy storage molecule.

How does your team use Labfolder? What are the tasks that are being completed using our software?

Labfolder holds a central position in our daily work. It has replaced the conventional lab book and helps in organising the subgroups. Especially the easy sharing of information between the different group members is a huge advantage.

How does Labfolder help your research team achieve its objectives?

The “Task”-function keeps track on progress and what there is to do. In addition, the “Comment”-function on the entries documents new ideas and improvement of experiments, especially for new team members.

What were the main reasons for the decision to purchase Labfolder? In retrospect, was the purchase worth it?

Main reason was the consequent documentation of data. Having supervised numerous PhD students and PostDocs it was always a hassle to get the complete data in a readable (handwriting!) form. That has improved drastically since we started to use Labfolder – and yes, the purchase was, and still is, worth it.

Jasper Koehorst MSc.

Lecturer for Department of Agrotechnology and Food Science at the University of Wageningen

“Labfolder allows for better storylines, providing one continuous flow of information for a single experiment, which is ideal when working across groups”

Why is your department teaching Labfolder to students in your practical courses?

Much of the research at the university is focused on agricultural, life, and environmental science. In the Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, we implement Labfolder in our teaching of the courses in order to provide the students with a logically structured workflow platform to use whilst they work in groups towards a final project.

How do your classes use Labfolder? What are the tasks that are being completed using our software?

Students use Labfolder whilst working in groups for conducting both lab and in silico experiments. They use Labfolder to collect observations, work which goes towards a final scientific report that is to be written by the students. Teachers create replicable templates for experiments so as to reduce much of the students’ time spent on re-writing them. Another feature that is helpful for teachers is the ability to assign tasks and comment on entries in workflows, as well as simply having a clear overview of what the students are doing.

How does Labfolder help your students work towards their final project?

Labfolder allows for better storylines, providing one continuous flow of information for a single experiment. It keeps a structural track of students’ progress, which becomes very helpful when working in groups. Additionally, being able to import all types of files and annotate images is useful for note taking in the classroom.

What were the main reasons for the decision behind choosing Labfolder?

It was important for us to find an electronic lab notebook that closely resembled the physical lab journals students are familiar with, as to make the transition between the two easier. The ability for the lab to maintain control over the data is also beneficial for us in an environment where graduating students leave with their research on a regular basis.

Ms. Susana Abreu Ribeiro

Associate Director at Cairn Biosciences

“The fact that I can monitor the research from the lab in real-time from a different location enables … me to perform my work smoothly.

Could you tell us a bit about your research and what you find exciting about it?

I am Associate Director and Scientist of a biotech startup based in San Francisco. Recently, I relocated to Paris where I am currently setting up the branch of the startup. We run a lot of projects in the lab and I do a lot of project management, data analysis that feeds back into the wet lab and I am also responsible for all the Operations in France.

How does your team use Labfolder? What are the tasks that are being completed using our software?

We use Labfolder every day. We annotate all the experimental work done in the wet lab and the follow-up analysis. It is extremely useful for me to be able to follow the work of the wet lab done in San Francisco.

How does Labfolder help your research team achieve its objectives?

The fact that I can monitor the research from the lab in real-time from a different location enables us (and me) to perform my work smoothly.

What were the main reasons for the decision to purchase Labfolder? In retrospect, was the purchase worth it?

We needed a safe electronic notebook that we could all access and share notes. IT was definitely worth it.

Dr. rer. Marta Danecka

Lab Manager for University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf

“Labfolder is a well organized and easy to use platform, where all data are easily accessible and retrievable, enabling us to work much more proficiently”

Could you tell us a bit about your research and what you find exciting about it?

We work in the field of inborn errors of metabolism where we investigate the molecular causes of such diseases, as phenylketonuria or glutaric aciduria type 1. We also screen for small molecules that can be potentially used to rescue the phenotype and, therefore, could be used as new therapies. The most interesting aspect of this kind of research is the so-called ‘from bench to bedside’ aspect. This means that our findings in the basic research can be translated into the daily patient care.

How does your team use Labfolder? What are the tasks that are being completed using our software?

We use Labfolder mainly as a digital lab book, where we can import different types of file, to keep a more organized structure of progress in our research. The templates serve as the source of protocols and a place where we save datasheets and handbooks. We use the material database for creating lists of our minis, glycerin stocks, primers as well as for tracking the orders of laboratory consumables.

How does Labfolder help your research team achieve its objectives?

Labfolder primarily helps us achieve our objectives by providing a platform where all data are easily accessible and retrievable, even when we are not working in the lab. The program is also well organized and really easy to use. Combining these factors enables us to work much more proficiently and collaboratively compared to working with physical notebooks.

What were the main reasons for the decision to purchase Labfolder? In retrospect, was the purchase worth it?

The main reason behind our decision to purchase Labfolder was to have all data in one place where one may have easy access to them, and the ability to retrieve the data easily. In addition to this, the provision of an organized and unified structure of data management was significant behind our decision. We provide a lot of feedback to the Labfolder team and feel our input is valued. I feel this relationship between both company and customer is great because we are able to improve the platform and constantly evolve the product. For these reasons I believe the purchase was definitely worth it.

Dr. Christian Jogler

Group Leader at Radboud University

“Labfolder never forgets. Thanks to the advanced search feature we have all the data at our fingertips even if they were collected many years ago”

Could you tell us a bit about your research and what you find exciting about it?

My research has an organismic focus on a maverick bacteria phylum: Planctomycetes. These ubiquitous bacteria are environmentally important, share an unusual and complex cell biology and are of biotechnological relevance. My lab investigates all these aspects with multiple methods. As PI, I mostly work in the office, read scientific articles, manage the lab and hold meetings with my students and postdocs.

How does your team use Labfolder? What are the tasks that are being completed using our software?

We use Labfolder as a centralized database where we store all of our data. Our group has become mostly paperless and so Labfolder is our only lab journal for storing and organizing all of our research.

How does Labfolder help your research team achieve its objectives?

It never forgets. Thanks to advanced search we have all the data at our fingertips even if they were collected many years ago, in which time the student or researcher has usually already left the laboratory. In this way we are able to focus much more on our work, and in turn work more proficiently.

What were the main reasons for the decision to purchase Labfolder? In retrospect, was the purchase worth it?

German data safety regulations are among the strictest in the world, and Labfolder was the only serious way to go in order to make sure we are in compliance with those standards when upgrading from paper. Aside from this, having a truly reliable database that is accessible for our entire team – and where the data will be easily retrievable going into the future – has become key in the operation of our laboratory. Purchasing Labfolder was worth it and I would buy it again.

Dr. Jochen Beck

Scientist at Geistlich Pharma

“Labfolder has completely replaced the physical lab journal we were using. It enables us to work more efficiently and streamlines a lot of our workflow.”

Could you tell us a bit about your research and what you find exciting about it?

My work focuses on the research and development of medical devices from biomaterials. To be more specific, it is my job to support the development of new materials for regenerative medicine using cell culture and in vitro techniques.

How does your team use Labfolder? What are the tasks that are being completed using our software?

Labfolder has completely replaced the physical lab journal we were previously using. In that sense, we use it as a lab notebook to conduct and keep track of our research. However, Labfolder also provides other benefits that normal paper lab notebooks are not capable of. One of these benefits is the ability to easily look up experiments, protocols and notes from your colleagues’ journals.

How does Labfolder help your research team achieve its objectives?

Labfolder keeps a logical and well structured track of all experiments, protocols and notes conducted in our lab. It enables us to work more efficiently and saves a lot of time usually spent on searching for experiments and experimental details. This applies to both individuals and groups and streamlines a lot of our workflows.

What were the main reasons for the decision to purchase Labfolder? In retrospect, was the purchase worth it?

We wanted a digital alternative to the traditional lab notebook that allows for the easy sharing of research and data, which is also validated for some of our GLP/GMP processes. The platform is very easy to use, and we are very happy with the great support of their developers and their team.

Kelsey Moody

CEO at Ichor Therapeutics

“It has allowed us to virtually eliminate paper in our record keeping processes, and enables us to collaborate on the same project with greater ease regardless of where we are working from.”

Could you tell us a bit about your research and what you find exciting about it?

Ichor Therapeutics is a vertically integrated CRO that specializes in pre-clinical research on aging pathways and mechanisms. The company has core competencies in stem cell biology, drug discovery, protein engineering, and laboratory automation.

How does your team use Labfolder? What are the tasks that are being completed using our software?

Labfolder is used globally by all members of our team, as the platform makes it easy for us to work together regardless of location. It is common practice for our team to make good use of Labfolder’s templates for all general and specific methods used in the laboratory. Additionally, the export features of Labfolder allow for the rapid preparation of study reports for management, clients, and investors, which is a huge time saver.

How does Labfolder help your research team achieve its objectives?

Labfolder is a great platform to streamline record keeping in a cloud-based environment. It has allowed us to virtually eliminate paper in our record keeping processes, and enables us to collaborate on the same project with greater ease regardless of where we are working from.

What were the main reasons for the decision to purchase Labfolder? In retrospect, was the purchase worth it?

We wanted to eliminate paper on a platform that could grow with the company and support diverse research applications. We believe the purchase was worth it, and will continue to do business with Labfolder. We are excited about new features that are arriving that will further bolster the user experience.

Dr. Paul Weinberger

Associate Professor of Laryngology at LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport

“We use Labfolder as the official repository for our results from each experiment. That way we never have to hunt for “who did that western blot” or “didn’t we test that by rt-PCR last year?””

Could you tell us a bit about your research and what you find exciting about it?

I research anaplastic thyroid cancer. It is an awful disease, one of the worst of human malignancies, with no treatments that work. Our lab has uncovered what might be an “Achilles’ heel” in this cancer, and if true this could provide hope for patients that currently have none.

How does your team use Labfolder? What are the tasks that are being completed using our software?

We use Labfolder as the official repository for our results from each experiment. That way we never have to hunt for “who did that western blot” or “didn’t we test that by rt-PCR last year?”. We upload our pictures, graphs, etc and tag everything so we can find it.

How does Labfolder help your research team achieve its objectives?

When I am writing a grant, the figures I need for preliminary data are right there. No wasted time hunting down someone who only worked in my lab for a summer, or searching through 5 computer hard drives for the elusive picture of the western blot that I need.

What were the main reasons for the decision to purchase Labfolder? In retrospect, was the purchase worth it?

I am not super organized and I think this is the way of the future. Eventually, I see everyone’s standard “lab notebook” being an iPad that is logged into Labfolder, and they log their activities in real time, use the camera to take pics of gels / Petri dishes / etc.

Dr. Sebastian Franken

Team Leader at the University of Bonn

“Since we started using Labfolder, the documentation of our research and lab materials has become much more transparent.”

Could you tell us a bit about your research and what you find exciting about it?

My work revolves around the coordination of preclinical experiments, the most exciting aspect of which is the planning and coordination of experiments with different scientists. It is of great satisfaction if, after these experiments, valuable data is collected. Other aspects of my role include managing the planning and documentation of projects, which is mostly done on a computer. If this all goes well, then I work in the lab.

How does your team use Labfolder? What are the tasks that are being completed using our software?

We primarily use Labfolder as a system to document the results of our research, and have built a functioning system for linking our primary data to the entries. Additionally, we use the system to track the availability and order laboratory supplies, using Labfolder’s built-in Material Database. Since we started using Labfolder, the documentation of our research and lab materials has become much more transparent.

How does Labfolder help your research team achieve its objectives?

Labfolder saves us a lot of time and allows us to work more freely. Since the ability to recover results has significantly improved upon switching from handwritten records to a digital data format, the compilation of results for interim reports, publications and such is a lot easier and manageable.

What were the main reasons for the decision to purchase Labfolder? In retrospect, was the purchase worth it?

Clarity, transparency, simple and easy to use structure, the easy linking of files, constant development of the product, and good contact with the Labfolder team. It was the right decision.

David Tibbitts

VP of Technical Services at WSI, Washing Systems LLC

“The key feature for us is the ability to import spreadsheets and tables. We also needed an easy way for managers to review projects. For the price, Labfolder by far had the most functionality.”

Could you tell us a bit about your research and what you find exciting about it?

Our company formulates and tests industrial laundry chemicals and specialty products such as floor cleaners and personal care products (hand soap, body wash, hand sanitizers).>

How does your team use Labfolder? What are the tasks that are being completed using our software?

All aspects of our R&D lab team utilizes Labfolder, including our tech support personnel as they are running various lab tests and product application functions, our microbiologist who is capturing data to support verification of wash tests and product sanitization efficacy, and our product development team who record prototype formulations, platform cost matrices, and data generated when they perform product efficacy tests.

How does Labfolder help your research team achieve its objectives?

Labfolder provides a resource where all data, product formulations and test results can be recorded and referenced easily by all people involved in the project. But more importantly, this ELN facilitates data management by easily sorting projects according to user and reviewing the work that has been accomplished for each project.

What were the main reasons for the decision to purchase Labfolder? In retrospect, was the purchase worth it?

The key features for us were the ability to import spreadsheets and tables which contain data from lab tests, as well as the cost. We also needed an easy way for managers to review projects and then sign off on them once they were completed. For the price, Labfolder by far had the most functionality. It was definitely worth the purchase.

Thomas Grewing

Managing Director at Anchor Diagnostics

“Labfolder enables us to adhere to a regulated environment with ease whilst conducting our research, because the platform is already compliant with FDA, ISO and GLP regulatory standards.”

Could you tell us a bit about your research and what you find exciting about it?

I’m the Managing Director for Anchor Diagnostics, which develops detection assays for diagnostic use. These assays may help treatment providers to better diagnose, treat and manage their patients, and hence produce better outcomes for each patient. We are mainly specialized in molecular diagnostics of infectious disease-related pathogens.

How does your team use Labfolder? What are the tasks that are being completed using our software?

My team primarily uses Labfolder as a method for documenting all of our laboratory work. We work within a regulated environment, and as such the reliable documentation of our research and product development is mandatory. Labfolder enables us to adhere to this environment with ease whilst conducting our research, because the platform is already compliant with FDA, ISO and GLP regulatory standards.

How does Labfolder help your research team achieve its objectives?

Labfolder’s Advanced Search function enables us to easily search and follow up on research data and experiments no matter when they were conducted, which is very valuable to us. Additionally, being able to use Labfolder’s features together within the team, and within projects, gives us the means to collaborate to a better degree.

What were the main reasons for the decision to purchase Labfolder? In retrospect, was the purchase worth it?

We were tired of working in paper-based documentation and the inevitable problems that arise from this, such as loss of data. We searched for a solution to circumvent these obstacles, and Labfolder’s platform does so effectively. There is of course always room to further optimize Labfolder, but we are indeed happy with our decision.

Dipl.-Ing. Ingo Przesdzing

IT Admin at Charité

“Labfolder offers elements I need to structure and tag my data with, and the ability to easily share it amongst colleagues in a manner that I see fitting.”

Could you tell us a bit about your research and what you find exciting about it?

I work in the field of experimental neurology at Charite. I am the head of our internal microscopy and flow cytometry facility. Due to this I am involved in the projects that different workgroups at the institute try to get on the road, especially in regards to method establishment and validation. I am particularly interested in the automatic cell characterization in microscopic pictures. Besides that, I am implementing and supervising different IT projects at the institute, of which Labfolder is one.

How does your team use Labfolder? What are the tasks that are being completed using our software?

We work in a very collaborative setting, and Labfolder is the tool of choice when it comes to bringing pieces of a project together. There are many projects shared amongst all project members, entries are tagged, protocols and spreadsheets and so on are uploaded and shared. We also make thorough use of templates that consist of structured data elements, which are then used to reproducibly describe certain working steps.

How does Labfolder help your research team achieve its objectives?

Labfolder offers elements I need to structure and tag my data with, and the ability to easily share it amongst colleagues in a manner that I see fitting. Additionally, the dedicated people of the Labfolder team whom I am in contact with provide excellent support whenever necessary. Thank you for all your help, I really appreciate it.

What were the main reasons for the decision to purchase Labfolder? In retrospect, was the purchase worth it?

Labfolder’s ease of use. We are now able to easily carry out multiple lab processes without hassle, and for whenever there is an issue the Support Team is highly effective in dealing with it. The purchase was mostly worth it, yes.