Thermo LabSystems and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory are to collaborate in the enhancement and implementation of Thermo's Nautilus LIMS to meet EMBL's requirements
Thermo LabSystems has finalized an agreement with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) to collaborate in the enhancement and implementation of Thermo's Nautilus LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) to meet EMBL's specific data-management requirements for its Genomics Core Facility (GeneCore) operations.
EMBL anticipates that the project will result in improvements to its operational and quality-control efficiency through the automation of laboratory operations and enhanced data-management capabilities.
The solution will be deployed at EMBL's main laboratory in Heidelberg, Germany.
High throughput and automated methods in molecular biology are generating large volumes of information that cannot be handled easily by conventional lab books and small desktop applications.
In this environment, modern LIMS implementation provides thorough overview and control over logistics, sample tracking, automated data handling and advanced reporting, integration of instruments, external evaluation tools, and electronic document-management systems to ensure data integrity and complete documentation.
Dr Jurgen Zimmermann, who leads the project in the GeneCore facility, commented: "The flexibility and user-friendliness of Nautilus makes it one of the most powerful laboratory information management tools available. We are looking forward to working alongside Thermo to enhance the system to meet the challenging demands that exist in the areas of micro-array production, serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE), and DNA sequencing." The requirement to automate micro-array production is the most demanding aspect of the development project, including advanced functionality for array production for cDNA, oligonucleotides, and proteins.
EMBL will integrate Nautilus with its wide range of laboratory instrumentation and data analysis software.
EMBL's contribution to the project includes intellectual know-how and resources for implementation and validation.
Dr Zimmermann added: "It is intended that the first phase in the deployment for single pass DNA sequencing will be operative during August 2002. Our experience to date in working with members of Thermo LabSystems' Pathfinder team gives us confidence that we can achieve our deadlines for the systems' rollout to support all of GeneCore's activities.
The result of this project will potentially serve as a template for an EMBL-wide LIMS and, in the longer term, as a basis for EMBL's world-wide collaboration networks".
Johannes Laemmel, managing director of Thermo LabSystems' Germany operation, commented: "Nautilus offers the bio-research community new levels of user empowerment, sample traceability, and instrument integration.
"We are looking forward to helping EMBL realize benefits through the extraction of information and knowledge from the vast data volumes generated in high throughput experimentation and screening." The European Molecular Biology Laboratory is a basic research institute funded by public research monies from 16 member states, including most of the European Union, Switzerland and Israel.
Approximately 80 independent groups, covering the spectrum of molecular biology, conduct research at EMBL.
The Laboratory has five units: the main Laboratory in Heidelberg, Outstations in Hinxton (the European Bioinformatics Institute), Grenoble, Hamburg, and an external research program in Mouse Biology in Monterotondo near Rome.
The cornerstones of EMBL's mission are: to perform basic research in molecular biology, to train scientists, students, and visitors at all levels, to offer vital services to scientists in the member states, and to develop new instruments and methods in the life sciences.
The Laboratory also sponsors an active Science and Society program, Visitors from the press are welcome.
For more information, see the EMBL website at: http://www.embl-heidelberg.de.
The EMBL member states are Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Thermo LabSystems is exhibiting at Drug Discovery Technology (DDT) 2002 on Booth #1510 as part of Thermo's Life and Laboratory Science sector exhibit.
