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Introduction of electronic lab notebooks in engineering education - opportunities for a cultural change
Müller, Laura Meihöfener, Niclas Siemoneit, Gabriel Mozgova, Iryna
Müller, Laura
Meihöfener, Niclas
Siemoneit, Gabriel
Mozgova, Iryna
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Editors
Date
2025
Educational Level
Curriculum Area
Geographical Setting
Germany
Abstract
Data management is an important aspect to realise sustainable action. In this context analysing data is a key factor for sustainable decisions. This requires well-prepared data, which implies, among others, data quality, descriptive metadata, complete, accessible and reusable datasets. Research data management (RDM) aims to prepare reusable data regarding the FAIR data principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable). Recent developments in the field of RDM have led to a renewed interest in tools and software which support RDM. However, many universities struggle to integrate RDM and related tools consistently. In this context challenges arise like the choice of tool and to foster the awareness of RDM and integration into education. This paper investigates the introduction of an electronic lab notebook (ELN) in engineering education and we outline the relationship between RDM and sustainability. We report students' opinion and feedback regarding the used ELN. The majority of students confirm that an ELN is helpful for their research and studies both in documenting their own experiments and in reusing results. Furthermore, students stated that the tool should be introduced early in the academic program and used consistently. We analyse the obstacles and potentials of introducing ELN and conclude for a university-wide introduction of RDM for sustainability. By teaching students RDM and relevant tools, we improve their technical skills that enable them to make responsible decisions.
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Keywords (free text)
research data management, electronic lab notebooks, engineering education, engineering for sustainable development, education for sustainabilty, sustainability in engineering