Streamlining Imaging Workflow for Core Facilities with Athena Software

Scientific research projects require larger and more challenging-to-share imaging data. Keeping track of that imaging data is a constant struggle. Furthermore, there is a trend toward data, knowledge, and expertise being traceable and easily accessible. Finding, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) data management is mandated by an increasing number of government agencies.

Thermo Scientific Athena Software is a high-end imaging data management platform that makes scientific imaging workflows easier for core imaging facilities. Through an easy-to-use, team-based web interface, imaging data and experimental workflows can be centrally stored, arranged, viewed, and shared with Athena Software.

With Athena Software's all-inclusive solution, large-scale imaging data management is made easy, making multi-instrument workflows simpler and results easily accessible at every process stage.

Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific – Electron Microscopy Solutions

Benefits

Ensure Traceability

Athena Software records and tracks data and metadata from sample to scientific publication, guaranteeing repeatability and dependability while facilitating compliance with FAIR data principles. Information is centralized so that it can be found, accessed, and reused from any location.

Simplify Imaging Data Management

Research data generation is increasing to the point where traditional data management systems find it challenging to keep up. Large data can be visualized with Athena Software without duplication, and once the project is finished, it can be archived.

Improve Collaboration

Athena Software enables users to interact with each other from sample preparation to publication. With an intuitive web interface, users can view or share images, data, metadata, and expertise instantly and remotely.

Secure and Manage Data Access

A safe environment for managing data access and assigning rights to multiple users is offered by Athena Software. Projects, experiments, workflows, data, and metadata can all be securely shared and accessed by users around the clock, anywhere in the world.

Key Features

Data and Metadata Import

Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific – Electron Microscopy Solutions

With the help of processing software, Athena Software enables the gathering and central storage of image data and related metadata from any imaging system as well as from any other type of data. Both manual and automated uploading are possible.

Experiment and Workflow Management

Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific – Electron Microscopy Solutions

Athena Software, which is intended for the digitization of projects, experiments, and workflows, greatly boosts productivity by organizing all recorded data and metadata in a logical and user-friendly manner and by providing status updates for every stage of the workflow.

Data Management

Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific – Electron Microscopy Solutions

Large data sets can be explored and shared with Athena Software without duplication. With the use of a basic web browser, data are kept in one central location and are accessible from anywhere. Data can be directly archived to cold storage from the web interface, freeing up space on hot storage when needed. There are also options for download and export.

Data Visualization

Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific – Electron Microscopy Solutions

Advanced features for remote and real-time image, data, and metadata viewing are provided by Athena Software. From the Athena Software web interface, the primary 2D and 3D formats, such as Thermo Scientific Amira, Avizo, and PerGeos Software, can be automatically displayed in dedicated, high-performance viewers—even with standard devices.

Additionally, Athena Software allows users to view PDF files directly, which facilitates reading information and reports needed for research projects. The web portal's extremely user-friendly interface makes adding, editing, and viewing metadata simple.

Collaboration and Sharing

Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific – Electron Microscopy Solutions

Apart from its web-based high-performance data visualization features, Athena Software also offers collaboration tools like notes, instant messaging, and annotations to help users interact.

Data Search

Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific – Electron Microscopy Solutions

Users can quickly and easily locate the information they require at any time with the help of an integrated search engine. A fast search can be conducted by name, metadata, and note using search criteria filters. Using an advanced search tool, users can search files and datasets by additional parameters, such as date range.

Access Management

Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific – Electron Microscopy Solutions

Information is centralized, secure, and accessible to numerous users with varying roles and permission levels thanks to Athena Software. Users can connect to pre-existing user directories with Athena Software’s support for LDAP, which streamlines user administration and authentication.