Open notebook science can maximize impact for rare disease projects

摘要

Transparency lies at the heart of the open lab notebook movement. Open notebook scientists publish laboratory experiments and findings in the public domain in real time, without restrictions or omissions. Research on rare diseases is especially amenable to the open notebook model because it can both increase scientific impact and serve as a mechanism to engage patient groups in the scientific process. Here, I outline and describe my own success with my open notebook project, LabScribbles, as well as other efforts included in the openlabnotebooks.org initiative. This Research Matters article proposes that open notebooks present an opportunity for researchers to showcase their work, push the boundaries of open research practises and rapidly advance science in their field by making an immediate impact in their communities.