Frequently Asked Questions
Connection
Q: I cannot log in. Where can I get help?
A: The system is only accessible to people with a University of Geneva email address (@unige.ch or @etu.unige.ch).
Make sure of the following:
You must be connected to the UNIGE Wi-Fi network (or use a VPN from outside).
The login address is https://smartlab.unige.ch
On the login page:
- “AD username” = your UNIGE ISIs short name (not your email address)
- “Password” = your UNIGE ISIs password
After 5 unsuccessful login attempts, access to eLabNext will be blocked for 15 minutes.
Q: How can I reset my password?
A: The eLabNext password corresponds to your ISIs password. It cannot be reset from the eLabNext interface.
If you need to change your ISIs password, please visit the SIFM help page.
Q: Can I access the system outside the University of Geneva or from a computer other than mine?
A: Yes, the system is accessible from any computer with internet access and connection to the UNIGE VPN.
Q: How can I obtain an eLabNext license for a new member in my laboratory?
A: You can add at any time any collaborator with a @unige.ch or @etu.unige.ch email address to your eLabNext group; the license will be created automatically.
You will find precise instructions in the “Onboarding and departure process” documentation.
Security and Data Protection
Q: Where is the data stored?
A: All data recorded in eLabNext is stored on various centralized servers at the University of Geneva, meeting all standard security requirements.
Q: Are my data backed up regularly?
A: The eLabNext infrastructure is backed up daily and retained for 60 days.
The associated database is backed up daily and retained for 7 days.
Q: Can everyone access my data in eLabNext?
A: No. eLabNext is compartmentalized by research group. Only members of your laboratory (or invited users of your choice) have access to your group’s data.
Additionally, for each group member, you can define precise permission levels.
Group administrators (super-users) have, by default, the ability to view all data recorded in the group.
Q: When a member leaves my lab, what happens to their data?
A: When a member leaves your group, you must block their access to your group. This frees up a license in the system. See the “Onboarding and departure processes” documentation.
The person will no longer have access to the system, but all information they have entered will remain accessible to other group members, depending on their permission levels.
General
Q: What is the cost of the system?
A: A financial contribution is required from laboratories using the system. The fee is CHF 300.- per year, regardless of the number of members in the group.
This contribution covers system maintenance costs.
Q: Does the system have a mobile application?
A: Yes, eLabNext offers a mobile application for smartphones and tablets. Both Android and iOS are supported.
For connecting your smartphone or tablet, you will find details in the “eLabNext Good Practices” documentation.
Q: Is the system accessible to other Faculties of UNIGE?
A: Currently only the Faculty of Medicine uses this tool and provides the necessary support to its users.
However, the tool could theoretically be installed in other faculties.
Q: What are the steps to install the system in my laboratory?
A: You must open a support ticket to request implementation.
The steps of the implementation process are described in the “Onboarding and departure processes” documentation.
Implementation of a new research group takes place in three stages:
- Preparation and initial information
- Training of super-users and configuration of the SmartLab environment
- Training and onboarding of users
In general, the implementation procedure takes 1 to 2 months, depending on the time your group can dedicate to learning and adopting the tool.
Latest update: 2026-04-08