IntegriLAB: Blockchain-Based Provenance Tracking for Neuroimaging Studies

In data-intensive fields like neuroimaging, managing and verifying complex research workflows, ranging from raw data to scripts and documentation, remains a significant challenge. Fragmented tools, inconsistent records, and limited platform integration continue to undermine reproducibility. While current Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs) support organization, they often lack interoperability, authorship verification, and secure audit trails. To address these gaps, this study presents IntegriLAB, a novel ELN framework that unifies data, documents, and code within a centralized, web-based platform for comprehensive project tracking. As a proof of concept, we integrate DataLad, Overleaf, and GitHub to enable seamless, real-time monitoring without disrupting familiar workflows. A key innovation is the use of Algorand, a green blockchain protocol, to generate cryptographically signed, immutable records certifying research activities and authorship. By combining robust project management with blockchain-based verification, IntegriLAB enhances reproducibility, fosters trust, and strengthens collaborative research practices.