Protocols module at lifescience.net

Protocols module is one of the first and most popular modules at lifescience.net. However, with more protocols in the database, it could be even more useful. In this article, I am going to reflect on the benefits of the Protocols module and discuss some ideas how to improve the module.

Recently, we wrote about new features we launched at lifescience.net. First and foremost, the Stream feature which allows you to decide which content you are interested in so you don't miss information that is relevant to you. Or the Jobs module which now allows recruiters to post jobs and manage applicants directly using our platform. However, Protocols module was one of the original and oldest modules we developed, which we feel can be further improved.

The idea behind the module is simple: to make sharing of experimental procedures as easy as possible through a flexible format, and to continuously improve their quality by using some of the typical social networking features, such as commenting and recommendations. Also, protocols can be bookmarked (Favorite protocols) for quicker access and so that, in case the author edits them, you get notified about the change. We believe that through sharing of exact and detailed experimental procedures, continuous feedback and interaction, experimental science can be more efficient and research easier to reproduce.

In the database we currently have original protocols and recipes posted by members of our network, as well as protocols from other sources. However, we'd like to encourage all our visitors to submit more protocols. By sharing your protocols, you will not only be contributing to the growth of this resource and helping the community, but also making your research more visible and increasing your reputation. Further, we are currently planning a promotional campaign and are seeking backers to sponsor it. The raised funds will be used to financially award researchers who shared their protocols and uploaded them to our database. In other words, any protocol you share now might get you a nice prize in the months to come.

Of course, this promotional campaign depends entirely on the willingness of life science companies to sponsor it. We therefore encourage all companies interested in participating in this campaign to get in touch with us by writing to [email protected]. As soon as the sponsorship money is secured, we will announce the campaign and rules by which awards will be given.

This is what we believe is one of the right steps to take towards reproducible science and we hope you'll join in and be part of the protocol sharing community.

If you have any questions or comments about this campaign, please comment below, or get in touch with us via email.

Cover image: Protocols.

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