Research finds scientists view ELNs as “glorified filing cabinets,” driving frustration, duplication and shadow AI use
BALTIMORE, MD, January 27, 2026 – Sapio Sciences, the science-aware™ AI lab informatics platform, today announced the results of new research examining scientists’ sentiment around electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) and AI tools in modern laboratory environments. The study reveals widespread frustration with existing lab software, leading to repeated experiments, inefficient data use, and a growing reliance on unauthorized shadow AI. 150 scientists were surveyed across U.S. and European labs in biopharma R&D, contract research organizations, clinical diagnostics, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Despite the significant investments made in digital lab technology, ELNs often fail to support effective scientific work. Only 62% of scientists say their ELN allows them to work efficiently, and just 5% report being able to analyze experimental results without specialist support.
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