• Created by Unknown User (_rachelle_farkas), last modified on Aug 22, 2022

Welcome to the Krembil Centre for NeuroInformatics LabKey page.

This page is meant to be a guide for new KCNI LabKey users.

In this LabKey section, you'll find:

  • Introduction
  • Next Steps for New Users
  • Account Request Instructions
  • Links to External Resources

What is LabKey?

LabKey is a tool that is part of the CAMH Neuroinformatics Platform (NIP) and is primarily used to manage molecular data. This system is designed to support management of the entire life cycle of biosamples including collection, processing, analyses, storage, and retrieval. LabKey can be used by individual laboratories to support biosample and analyses management.

Who Can Use LabKey?

Our instance of LabKey Server is hosted at CAMH and is freely available for use by all CAMH members and collaborators. Typically, a Principal Investigator (PI) will coordinate with the neuroinformatics team at the KCNI to set up a study on LabKey; instructions for this process can be found in the New Project Request section. Meanwhile, all collaborators including students, research assistants and colleagues who would like access to the LabKey study will submit a user account request form for approval by the PI and the KCNI team. Instructions for this process can be found in the New User Request section.

It's important to note that all users, including PIs, will have to attend an LabKey workshop for guidance on how to use LabKey and CAMH best practices before their user accounts will be approved by the KCNI team.

Minimum Requirements

Internet Browsers: Please note that LabKey does not support any version of Internet Explorer. The recommended browser is Google Chrome (version 85+), although other major browsers should be supported. Javascript must be allowed to run (enabled) on LabKey pages to ensure proper functionality.

User Permissions: The instructions on these subpages pages assumes users have the correct read-write access to study projects. Users with read-only permissions will not be able to add, edit, or delete data. Please contact the LabKey administrator if there is a need to change permissions on study projects.

Next Steps

For prospective LabKey users, your next steps are:

  • Fill out the NIP Project Request form and check off the Molecular/Genetics box in the Data Structure Information section
  • Attend a mandatory LabKey workshop
  • Fill our the NIP User Request form and check off the LabKey box in the Request Purpose section
  • (For new LabKey users) Sign in to LabKey using the provided link from the LabKey administrator and select a password
  • Begin managing your molecular data on our LabKey Server

Training

Mandatory LabKey Training for New Users can must be completed by attending a WebEx meeting with the LabKey administrator. Training may be performed by a project team lead, assuming they have previously been trained on LabKey Server. A list of competencies can be obtained here.

New Project Request

If you would like to create a new project on the Neuroinformatics Platform, you can request a New Neuroinformatics/LabKey Project completing the following steps:

  • Completing the Project Request Form.
  • Once completed, an email will automatically be sent to the specified PI for approval, followed by Neuroinformatics Platform Admin.
  • Once the PI approval email is received, the project will be created.
  • You will then receive an email notification from the Neuroinformatics Platform team to request a meeting to discuss any specific needs your project might have as well as any specific project initialization steps that need to be taken. 

New User Request

You can request a New Neuroinformatics/LabKey User Account once you have succesfully completed the training.

To request a new user account:

  • Complete the User Request Form. (If you know the project to which you would like access and the project has already been created on LabKey, please have the REB number and NIP Project code ready as you will need it to complete the form.)
  • Once completed, a confirmation email will be sent to your PI and LabKey admin to approve your access.
  • Following approval, you will receive an email inviting you to create your account on LabKey. Please note that this now only applies to external email addresses. Users with CAMH credentials will not be notified through an automated email.

If you are a staff or student at CAMH:

  • LabKey Server now allows for LDAP authentication. Once a LabKey administrator has granted access, individuals with CAMH institutional email addresses will be able to log on using their normal credentials (username and password).