Recent trends in the development of assistance systems for biomedical research from a managerial perspective

Abstract

The major limiting factor in biomedical research is access to knowledge when and where it is needed, i.e. on the job. Every year, science produces vast amounts of novel insights, which a single human individual cannot grasp. Consequently, researchers are prone to develop a psychological state called information overload, which hampers creative thinking. In order to facilitate optimal innovation strategies, research organizations are advised to implement assistance systems, which provide opportunities for digital data management directly at the work bench in experimental laboratories. Within the scope of this thesis, different concepts of assistance systems for biomedical research were identified and profoundly reviewed. The thesis provides an overview of innovative solutions for specific problems, that may emerge during experimental work and the advantages they promise to research organizations. The individual reviews are completed with discussions on challenges and risks, which could be expected if the concepts were realized by strategic information technology-dependent initiatives. The research revealed several approaches designed for direct assistance of experimental researchers:-) automation of standardized, repetitive methodological routines,-) establishment of a ubiquitous computing environment to facilitate access to and storage of digital --) information at various locations in wet labs, -) integration of office and lab work into lab benches, -) guiding researchers through pipetting schemes, and -) helping researchers to remain focused on hands-on activities by applying augmented reality and voice assistance. Eventually, the emerging technological trend of virtual reality is included in the research because it indirectly assists researchers by effectively building tacit knowledge on practical lab work in a risk-free and cost-efficient manner, before entering real lab environments. Since none of the reviewed technological and software innovations are mainstream in research organizations yet, they were identified as disruptive technologies which still await an era of future laboratories, which demand their characteristics.