Designing Laboratory Forensics

Abstract

Recently, the topic of research data management (RDM) has emerged at the forefront of Open Science. Funders and publishers posit new expectations on data management planning and transparent reporting of research. At the same time, laboratories rely upon undocumented files to record data, process results and submit manuscripts which hinders repeatable and replicable management of experimental resources. In this study, we design a forensic process to reconstruct and evaluate data management practices in scientific laboratories. The process we design is named Laboratory Forensics (LF) as it combines digital forensic techniques and the systematic study of experimental data. We evaluate the effectiveness and usefulness of Laboratory Forensics with laboratory members and data managers. Our preliminary evaluation indicates that LF is a useful approach for assessing data management practices. However, LF needs further developments to be integrated into the information systems of scientific laboratories.