Industry expert Joanna Deek discussed on Apr. 17 the ongoing challenges faced by scientists in managing research data, emphasizing the importance of flexible and integrated platforms that support collaboration and structured, AI-ready data.
Effective scientific data management is crucial for ensuring transparency, traceability, and efficient collaboration among research teams. Deek said that one major challenge is finding software that truly supports daily laboratory workflows. She noted that many teams are forced to use multiple software solutions due to the lack of a single platform with all necessary functions, which can result in added complexity and potential for disconnected data silos.
Deek highlighted the risks associated with scattered data storage across spreadsheets, local files, and unconnected systems. "If data is stored on individual machines, it becomes difficult for others to access it," she said. This can lead to loss of valuable knowledge if someone leaves an organization or is unavailable. Version control issues also arise when local file management results in multiple versions of datasets and increased risk of human error.
Centralizing and structuring research data within a searchable system addresses these problems by providing secure shared access while preserving full histories of how datasets were generated. According to Deek, this approach ensures better collaboration and significantly reduces errors from manual versioning.
Deek also underscored the need for platforms that can evolve alongside fast-moving research projects: "A flexible and customizable platform like CDD Vault allows scientists to adjust how they capture and analyze data as new questions arise." She explained that browser-based systems enable remote work across locations without restricting users to physical sites.
She pointed out other important considerations such as avoiding vendor lock-in through open APIs so researchers can move their data freely between tools; user-friendly interfaces accessible even for those with limited IT backgrounds; strong customer support including onboarding; as well as company commitments supporting humanitarian projects beyond commercial interests.
Deek brings extensive experience from roles at Collaborative Drug Discovery (CDD), Proteros Biostructures GmbH, Dynamic Biosensors (now Bruker Biosensors), Technische Universität München, UC Santa Barbara, among others. CDD was founded in 2004 by Barry Bunin during his time at Eli Lilly & Co., aiming to address inefficiencies in biological and chemical research through its flagship product CDD Vault—a platform now used globally by hundreds of organizations.
