Lab Thread, a life science software company, announced on Mar. 17 the release of a free version of its Unified Lab Software Platform for academic and non-profit researchers worldwide.
The move aims to support early-stage research by providing essential digital tools without cost to smaller laboratories that may face budget constraints. The platform is designed to help users implement robust data management plans and streamline laboratory processes from the outset of their projects.
The Unified Lab Software Platform includes features such as a DNA sequence viewer, an electronic notebook system with ready-to-use templates, and project management tools that allow teams to digitally record methods, data, DNA constructs, and experimental analysis. Built-in collaboration and communication functions are also available. According to Lab Thread, these features remove common barriers in research by enabling real-time data sharing and scalable collaboration as experiments progress. The company said the platform helps labs adhere more easily to funding guidelines like the FAIR data principles required by major funding bodies in the UK and internationally.
Dr Ryan Cawood, Co-founder and CEO of Lab Thread, said: “Since launching the Lab Thread platform in Beta last year, we’ve been delighted with the feedback from our early adopters, which has allowed us to continue to shape the software around the things that are most important to biological researchers. With this new release of an always-free version of the software specifically for smaller academic laboratories, we hope that Lab Thread will help to nurture early-stage research, and ensure users are equipped with the tools they need to implement effective data management into their projects from the very beginning.”
Deyan Sultov, Co-founder and CTO of Lab Thread, said: “Data management is an integral part of early research, with both national and international funders increasingly embedding guidelines such as the FAIR principles within their application process. Putting these systems in place can be extremely resource-intensive, something that can be challenging for academic and non-profit research where budgets are limited. Lab Thread aims to relieve that pressure, giving researchers a fully integrated solution to collaborate and advance scientific discovery, backed by rigorous data practices.”
Lab Thread began offering access applications through its website following verification procedures. The free version is available for up to five users per organization.
