Interview with ELN (Electronic Lab Notebook) Software Expert: Answering Most Common Questions

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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As labs, startups, and classrooms adopt ELN (electronic lab notebook) software quickly, students who fall behind risk missing out on academic and career opportunities. The electronic lab notebook market is projected to grow at over 6% per year, and employers are increasingly expecting young professionals to be proficient in digital research tools. Those who don’t learn to use ELNs now may struggle to keep up later.

This is the perfect time to understand how ELN software works, which platforms are best for students, and how to use them to boost your learning. To help, we interviewed Barney Walker, Head of Product at Labstep (a STARLIMS company), to answer the most common student questions. With expert input and trusted reporting from the Research.com team, this guide will show you how to stay ahead in labs, coursework, and future jobs using ELN software.

Table of Contents

1. How would you describe the current state of the ELN market globally and in the United States?
2. What features make Labstep stand out from other ELN tools?
3. What are the biggest challenges when adopting ELN systems in labs or institutions?
4. Are privacy and IP concerns still a major barrier to ELN adoption in academia?
5. Do you think AI and machine learning will play a bigger role in future ELN platforms?
6. How do electronic lab notebooks work for students?
7. How affordable is ELN software for students?

How would you describe the current state of the ELN market globally and in the United States?

Understanding the state of the electronic lab notebook (ELN) market is essential for students who plan to work in scientific or lab-based fields. ELNs are no longer just digital notebooks—they’ve become robust lab management systems. Knowing where this software is headed can help you prepare for what you’ll use in the workplace, whether learning how to become a biologist or exploring lab tech careers. The U.S. and global markets are shifting fast as labs demand more connected and intelligent digital tools.

• Barney Walker: “Demand for ELNs continues to grow globally, driven in part by the increasingly collaborative nature of modern science and the growing recognition of data as a valuable asset. However, increasingly, the market is shifting away from standalone ELNs toward integrated platforms that incorporate sample & inventory management, equipment & devices, and other capabilities for collecting more structured data about experiments. Furthermore, researchers now expect their ELN to serve not just as a static record, but as a dynamic tool that drives insight, improves processes, and accelerates innovation.”

Walker’s insights reflect a significant trend: ELNs have evolved from simple record-keeping tools into dynamic systems that enhance research. This mirrors the development of other digital tools in education and science. For example, the average U.S. K–12 district uses about 2,739 edtech tools yearly. That number illustrates the significant reliance of schools on integrated, digital ecosystems. Labs have been experiencing a similar push in scientific fields, streamlining research workflows by connecting ELNs with other digital systems, such as inventory and device tracking.

The rise of structured data also plays a significant role. Labs need tools that store information and help make sense of it. This shift helps reduce human error, speeds up analysis, and supports discoveries more quickly. Learning these modern tools is crucial for students planning their future in science.

What features make Labstep stand out from other ELN tools?

In today’s science and healthcare environments, labs must handle more data and follow more complex procedures than ever. Many research teams are turning to ELNs that do more than store information. They want platforms that reduce friction and boost productivity.

• Barney Walker: “Labstep’s core philosophy is to minimise the burden of record keeping for scientists. This is reflected in three key areas. First, the user interface is simple, intuitive and familiar making it a delight to use day-to-day.”

According to Walker, Labstep prioritizes ease of use at its core. Instead of forcing users to click through confusing tabs or forms, Labstep offers a clean and user-friendly interface. That’s crucial for research teams that must work efficiently and minimize distractions.

• Barney Walker: “Second, the platform is built around reusable templates that reduce manual input over time, turning experiment logging into a simple, structured process.”

By automating repetitive tasks, Labstep saves time and ensures consistency in experiment records. This structured approach can be a significant plus for students preparing for health informatics careers, especially when accuracy and compliance are critical.

• Barney Walker: “Finally, we take an API-first approach ... anything that can be done manually by clicking on the platform can eventually be automated by a series of API calls.”

This focus on automation empowers labs to scale. Instead of handling records individually, labs can set up systems that automatically update or synchronize data. Walker also emphasized a feature often missing from other platforms: built-in tools for data analysis.

He explained that raw data is rarely the end goal. Researchers must process and interpret the data before drawing conclusions. That’s why Labstep allows users to embed Jupyter Notebooks—interactive coding environments used for data science—directly into experiment templates. “This also makes life easier for the scientist,” Walker said, since they can run analysis with just a click instead of switching between tools or emailing files.

Labstep’s approach also responds to real-world lab challenges. According to a 2024 industry survey, 38% of clinical research sites said the complexity of clinical trials was one of their top three issues. By making data entry and analysis smoother, Labstep directly addresses that pain point.

The chart below lists the top issues faced by clinical research sites in 2024.

What are the biggest challenges when adopting ELN systems in labs or institutions?

Switching from paper notebooks or disconnected systems to an ELN can bring significant improvements, but only if people use it.

• Barney Walker: “The single biggest challenge is adoption. An ELN becomes a lot more valuable when everyone within a group or institution is using it ... However, if the system is too complex, clunky or unfamiliar many scientists simply won’t use it and the data becomes incomplete.”

Walker explained that the full benefits of an ELN only appear when it’s used across the board. Features like templates, shared inventory, and standardized data entries rely on widespread participation. But data becomes scattered and incomplete if just a few users opt out or the tool is difficult to learn.

• Barney Walker: “That’s why at Labstep we make the barrier to entry as low as possible ... You can use Labstep as a basic notebook very easily and then over time start to make use of the more advanced features.”

Labstep’s approach eases researchers in slowly. New users can start by treating it like a simple blank notebook. As they become more comfortable, they can explore more advanced tools, such as structured data entry or embedded code capsules. This gradual learning curve helps increase overall adoption, making the platform more useful for entire teams.

Adopting easier, more scalable platforms aligns with broader tech trends. Analysts project that global IT spending will grow by 9.3% in 2025, driven by strong software and data center investment growth. This suggests that more institutions will upgrade their systems and look for user-friendly tools that deliver real value.

This matters for students choosing the best school for medical coding or health tech programs. Medical coders, health data analysts, and informatics professionals often work with systems that require full adoption, whether an ELN, EHR, or coding software. Identifying and solving adoption challenges now can help you lead smoother implementations later.

Ultimately, Walker’s point was clear: the best ELN isn’t just powerful—it’s usable. Tools that make adoption easier help institutions maximize their investment and support better, cleaner research.

Are privacy and IP concerns still a major barrier to ELN adoption in academia?

According to Walker, not anymore. Concerns about data privacy and intellectual property (IP) once slowed the adoption of ELNs, especially in academic settings. But today, that concern has largely faded.

• Barney Walker: “While concerns about data privacy and intellectual property were prominent in the early days of cloud-based ELNs, they’ve become far less of a barrier today.”

According to Walker, institutions now recognize that leading ELN providers offer better protection than many universities can build or maintain independently. With features like advanced encryption, granular access controls, and audit trails, the top platforms meet or exceed academic and regulatory standards. These tools keep sensitive research secure while making it easier to collaborate.

In fact, the discussion in academia has shifted. Instead of asking, “Can we trust the cloud?” researchers now ask, “Which platform helps us do our work better?”

• Barney Walker: “Privacy and IP protection are now baseline expectations rather than differentiators.”

This shift is good news for students interested in online degrees that pay well, especially those in health informatics, biotech, or data science. These fields rely heavily on cloud-based systems and secure data sharing. Learning to navigate ELNs and understand their built-in protections gives you an edge, especially as universities and labs look for professionals who can move fast without compromising data safety.

With cloud-native tools becoming the new standard, data privacy no longer needs to be a roadblock. Instead, the focus is on usability, collaboration, and impact—all key to modern research and career success in today’s digital-first science landscape.

Do you think AI and machine learning will play a bigger role in future ELN platforms?

"Yes—and that future is already taking shape," Walker said. He said integrating AI into ELNs is one of the most exciting trends in lab informatics. AI can turn ELNs from passive data repositories into active research partners.

Walker believed the most immediate benefit would be AI’s ability to analyze experimental data stored in ELNs to find patterns, suggest better experimental parameters, and predict outcomes.

• Barney Walker: “AI will empower researchers to make more informed decisions, accelerate discovery, and potentially reduce the time and resources required for experimentation.”

But the real game-changer might be how AI improves usability. Today’s ELNs can be complex. Some require training and manual setup, which slows down adoption. According to Walker, natural language interfaces could allow scientists to set up and use their ELNs by typing or speaking, like conversing with the software. AI could also automatically handle data migration, lab equipment integration, and user onboarding.

This shift mirrors broader trends. In 2023, the FDA approved 223 AI-enabled medical devices, compared to only six in 2015. That growth reflects how fast AI is embedded into scientific tools, including ELNs.

This matters for students exploring crime lab analyst job requirements. The future of lab work will likely demand comfort with digital systems and AI-driven tools. Knowing how ELNs integrate with AI today could help tomorrow’s analysts, researchers, and lab techs stay competitive in a fast-evolving field.

The chart below illustrates how AI has become part of education at various levels, as reported in 2025.

How do electronic lab notebooks work for students?

ELNs help students record, organize, and analyze their lab work digitally. While often used in professional labs, ELNs are becoming more common in academic settings, especially as schools push for more tech-driven learning, like accelerated nurse practitioner programs that blend speed with modern tools.

Here’s how ELNs typically work for students:

• Digital Experiment Logging: Students enter data, observations, and notes into a digital notebook. This replaces paper lab books and makes editing, searching, and organizing entries easier.
• File and Media Attachments: ELNs let students attach images, datasets, charts, or video recordings, which are helpful for lab results or documenting progress.
• Templates and Protocols: Many platforms offer reusable templates to guide students through structured experiments. Labstep, for example, reduces manual input by using easy-to-follow templates.
• Collaborative Tools: Students can share notebooks with peers or instructors. This supports teamwork and simplifies feedback or grading.
• Data Analysis Integration: Some ELNs let users embed Jupyter Notebooks or similar tools so students can analyze results without switching platforms. Walker emphasized this as key to helping users keep raw data, methods, and final results in one place.
• Skill-Building for Future Careers: Using ELNs teaches students digital skills needed in labs, clinics, or research settings. This is increasingly important in healthcare, where tools like electronic health records are standard.

As more schools adopt digital lab tools, ELNs help students stay organized, work smarter, and prepare for future careers in science, research, and healthcare.

How affordable is ELN software for students?

The cost of ELN software can vary greatly, but many platforms aim to stay affordable for students. Some even offer free plans with basic features. Others use discounted academic pricing or provide campus-wide access through university subscriptions.

Here’s what students should know about ELN pricing:

• Free Academic Plans: A few ELNs offer limited versions for students at no cost. These plans usually include basic notebook functions but may leave out advanced features like integrations or automation.
• Subscription Pricing: Students may need a paid plan for more features like team collaboration, structured templates, or data analysis tools. For example, Labstep starts at $33 per month. While this might be too much for some individuals, many schools cover the cost through institutional licenses.
• University Access: If your school already uses an ELN system, you might not have to pay anything. Check with your lab instructor or IT department.
• Cost vs. Value: While $33 a month might seem high initially, it can be a good investment for students doing advanced lab work. Features like reusable templates, embedded Jupyter Notebooks, and automatic data backups can save time and help students stay organized.

According to Walker, reducing the burden of record-keeping is a core goal for Labstep. So, while it comes at a cost, the time saved and the ease of use may make it worthwhile, especially for students preparing for research-heavy careers.

ELNs Evolving to Meet the Needs of Modern Science

Electronic lab notebooks are becoming full platforms for research collaboration, data analysis, and lab automation. As Walker noted, adoption hinges on ease of use, innovative templates, and reducing manual work. Security and IP concerns are now baseline expectations, not barriers. AI will likely play a growing role in helping researchers interact with ELNs more naturally and get faster insights from their data. ELNs like Labstep offer intuitive design and affordable entry points for students, making them a practical tool for learning and research. As science grows more digital, ELNs adapt to support seasoned researchers and the next generation in the lab.

More Information About the Expert We Interviewed

Barney Walker

After completing his PhD in Synthetic Biology at Imperial College London, Barney Walker hung up his pipettes. He dedicated himself to building software that would make life easier for scientists and help accelerate discovery. Now he is Head of Product at Labstep (a STARLIMS company) where he drives the roadmap and vision. Labstep is a modern, intuitive platform for scientific research that combines Notebook, Protocol Execution, Inventory, Device, and Order Management functionalities into a single collaborative environment.

References:

• Deloitte. (2025). 2025 technology industry outlook. Deloitte.
• Maslej, N. et al. (2025). The AI Index 2025 Annual Report. Stanford University.
• Mordor Intelligence. (2025). Electronic Laboratory Notebook (ELN) Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030). Industry Reports. Mordor Intelligence.
• WCG Clinical. (2024). Clinical Research Site Challenges Report. WCG Clinical.