LabKey Server is a software suite available for scientists to integrate, analyze, and sharebiomedical research data. The platform provides a secure data repository that allows web-based querying, reporting, and collaborating across a range of data sources. Specific scientific applications and workflows can be added on top of the basic platform and leverage a data processing pipeline.
License
LabKey licenses LabKey Server and its documentation for free under the Apache License.
Languages and extensibility
The base platform is written in Java. It can be extended through the addition of Java-based modules or simple, file-based modules written in HTML, XML and JavaScript. The platform can also be extended using LabKey Server's Java, JavaScript, R, Python, Perl and SAS client libraries.
History
LabKey Server, originally known as the Computational Proteomics Analysis System, was developed at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to manage high volumes of data generated at the Fred Hutch Computational Proteomics Lab. In 2005, a small team spun out of the Hutch and began operating independently as LabKey Software after contributors realized that the software could be beneficial to the broader scientific community.
Core Components
LabKey Server provides a secure data repository for all types of biomedical data, including mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, microarray, microplate, ELISpot, ELISA, NAb and observational study information. A customizable data processing pipeline allows the upload and processing of the large data files common in biomedical research. The platform also provides domain-specific support for several areas of research, including:
Observational Studies. Supports management of longitudinal, large-scale studies of participants, subjects or animals over time. Allows the integration of clinical data with assay results.
In 2016, LabKey and Professor Dave O'Connor of the University of Wisconsin–Madison launched the Zika Open Research Portal using LabKey Server. The portal provides direct access to experiment data being produced by members of the Zika Experimental Science Team. The portal received attention from the scientific community for being the first platform of its kind to share real-time research data.
Users
Users range from individual labs to large research consortia. In 2017, the program's users included the following:
