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Research academics at The University of Nottingham have the latest in laboratory recording tools at their fingertips — thanks to the introduction of the eWorkbook system.
Originally introduced in the University’s Schools of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, this new system enables researchers to store their research data and the results of investigations in a secure and searchable database.
Following these successful trials, the eWorkbook will be made available to academic staff in all disciplines at its UK campuses, as well as those engaged in research. It is also planned to make the system available at The University of Nottingham Ningbo, China, and The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, in the future.
eWorkbook, which was developed by data management and analytics solutions supplier IDBS, operates on hardware provided by the University’s Information Services department.
Benefits to users include:
• Fully working electronic storage of all lab data
• Secure backup of data and intellectual property
• Fully searchable database of research
• No need for paper-based lab books
Because the program improves the capture, storage, ability to search and share research data, it will improve the ability for the University to identify possibilities for further exploitation and support its international reputation for innovation and collaboration.
The benefits of using eWorkbook don’t stop at improved support for academic and teaching support. The University is also considering other uses, including the possibility of providing a version for undergraduate students to use for their project work.
Professor Steve Hill is Head of the School of Biomedical Sciences and the academic lead for the eWorkbook development.
Professor Hill said: “The implementation of eWorkbook is an exciting prospect that will provide researchers across the University with an easy-to-use mechanism for securing experimental data and complying with the requirements of grant sponsors for data management and audit.”
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Notes to editors: The University of Nottingham, described by The Times as “the nearest Britain has to a truly global university”, has award-winning campuses in the United Kingdom, China and Malaysia. It is ranked in the UK's Top 10 and the World's Top 75 universities by the Shanghai Jiao Tong (SJTU) and the QS World University Rankings.
The University is committed to providing a truly international education for its 39,000 students, producing world-leading research and benefiting the communities around its campuses in the UK and Asia.
More than 90 per cent of research at The University of Nottingham is of international quality, according to the most recent Research Assessment Exercise, with almost 60 per cent of all research defined as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. Research Fortnight analysis of RAE 2008 ranked the University 7th in the UK by research power.
The University’s vision is to be recognised around the world for its signature contributions, especially in global food security, energy & sustainability, and health.
More news from the University at: www.nottingham.ac.uk/news
Facts and figures at: www.nottingham.ac.uk/about/facts/factsandfigures.aspx
Story credits
More information is available from Professor Steve Hill, Head of the School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham, on +44 (0)115 823 0100, stephen.hill@nottingham.ac.uk; or Alison Reynolds, IS Marketing and Communications Manager, Information Services, University of Nottingham, on +44 (0)115 846 6691,
Alison.reynolds@nottingham.ac.uk