As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening research capacity and enhancing institutional excellence, the Horizon Europe-funded GEMSTONE Project will host an internal capacity-building workshop titled “Understanding and Developing Standard Operating Procedures and Basic Principles and Best Practices for Digital Laboratory Notebook Use” on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, from 09:00 to 12:30 at Room A103, Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University (ACU) Kerem Aydınlar Campus.
This workshop is designed to share and disseminate the advanced skills, knowledge, and competencies gained during the project’s short-term staff exchanges. It aims to support the professional development of ACU academic staff, early-stage researchers, and laboratory technicians who are not directly involved in the GEMSTONE Project but play a vital role in sustaining a high-quality research environment.
Through a series of expert-led sessions, participants will gain practical insights into digital research management tools and standardised laboratory procedures, all of which contribute to improved research reproducibility, efficiency, and compliance with international best practices.
Workshop agenda
09:00 – 09:30 | Registration & Welcome
09:30 – 10:10 | Digital Laboratory Notebook Use (30 min presentation + 10 min Q&A)
Dr. Courtney J. Wright, Lund University [Remote Participation]
Dr. Wright will introduce the core functionalities, benefits, and best practices for using digital laboratory notebooks, highlighting their role in supporting transparent, structured, and secure data management.
10:10 – 10:50 | SOPs for Chemogenetic Applications (30 min presentation + 10 min Q&A)
Prof. Filiz Onat, Acıbadem University & Assoc. Prof. Nihan Çarçak Yılmaz, Acıbadem University
This session will overview standardised procedures for chemogenetic experiments and emphasize protocol harmonisation to ensure accuracy and reproducibility in neuroscience research.
10:50 – 11:10 | Break & Refreshments
11:10 – 11:50 | SOPs for Mice IVF Applications (30 min presentation + 10 min Q&A)
Assoc. Prof. Ali Cihan Taşkın, Istanbul University & Assoc. Prof. Meltem Kolgazi, Acıbadem University
Participants will explore best practices in IVF procedures for genetically engineered mouse models, including workflow optimisation and quality control measures.
11:50 – 12:30 | SOPs for Transgenic Animal Colony Management (30 min presentation + 10 min Q&A)
Dr. Talat Taygun Turan, Acıbadem University
This session will address essential protocols for managing transgenic mouse colonies, covering breeding strategies, health monitoring, and recordkeeping standards.
This final workshop marks another important step in GEMSTONE’s mission to build a sustainable and competitive research ecosystem at ACU. By empowering local researchers and support staff with advanced operational knowledge, the project continues to foster institutional growth and strengthen the foundations for future scientific excellence.