eln

Organize scientific experiments into date-based org-mode lab notebooks.

34|7|Updated Nov 29, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/jkitchin/skillz --skill eln
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: eln
Source: https://github.com/jkitchin/skillz/tree/main/skills/research/eln
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/jkitchin/skillz --skill eln

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill provides expert guidance for creating, maintaining, and organizing Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs) in org-mode, enabling rigorous, reproducible scientific documentation with a clear structure and templates.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Chronological, structured entries: date-based organization and consistent templates for experiments, analyses, and reviews.
  • Org-mode best practices: leveraging properties, tags, links, and code blocks to build a reusable knowledge base.
  • Reproducibility & integrity: templates and workflows that ensure every step is documented, traceable, and reusable.
  • Cross-referencing & archiving: connect entries, templates, and supporting data, while keeping a robust project archive.

Quick Start

Use this skill to start a lab notebook entry for today’s calculations, or to draft a monthly ELN summary using the provided templates.

Frequently Asked Questions about eln

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I organize a lab notebook in org-mode for reproducible research?

Organize lab notebook entries chronologically within a date-based hierarchical structure using org-mode templates. Each entry documents what was done, why, how, results, and analysis, with properties, tags, and cross-linked code blocks to ensure complete traceability and reproducibility across experiments and computational work.

What should I include in an electronic lab notebook entry?

Include the experiment objective, methodology, code blocks with inputs, results, analysis, and next steps. Org-mode templates enforce this structure across daily entries, calculations, literature reviews, and meeting notes, creating a professional record that satisfies reproducibility and chronological documentation requirements.

Can I use org-mode properties and tags to cross-reference lab entries?

Yes. Org-mode properties, tags, and links enable cross-referencing between experiments, templates, and supporting data within your notebook archive. This connectivity builds a searchable knowledge base while maintaining a robust project structure accessible for future reproducibility.

How do I start a daily lab notebook entry with templates?

Use provided org-mode templates to structure today's entry with date-based hierarchy, predefined sections for methodology and results, and embedded code blocks. Templates standardize documentation format across experiments and analyses, reducing setup time while ensuring all required information is captured.

What's the best way to document computational calculations in a lab notebook?

Embed code blocks directly in org-mode entries alongside descriptive text, results, and analysis. This approach integrates calculations, outputs, and interpretation chronologically, satisfying reproducibility requirements while keeping computational work traceable and integrated with experimental context.

Do I need version control or archiving strategy for lab notebook files?

Yes. Maintain a robust project archive with date-based organization and consistent naming conventions. This enables long-term preservation, retrieval of historical entries, and integration with version control systems for tracking changes and maintaining a complete audit trail of your research.