What is an IGSN?¶
The International Generic Sample Number (IGSN) is a globally unique and persistent identifier used to reference physical samples in research. It is governed by the IGSN e.V. organisation and issued through the DataCite DOI infrastructure.
An IGSN provides a stable, resolvable reference for a specific sample, allowing it to be unambiguously cited, discovered, and linked to related research outputs across the web.
A persistent identifier for physical samples¶
IGSNs belong to the broader family of Persistent Identifiers (PIDs), which are widely used in research to ensure that key entities can be reliably referenced over time. Just as DOIs are used to identify publications and datasets, IGSNs are designed specifically to identify physical samples.
Each IGSN is globally unique and remains stable even if the sample moves between institutions, is re-analysed, or is referenced in new research outputs. This persistence supports long-term traceability and reproducibility in scientific research.
What an IGSN can identify¶
An IGSN can be assigned to different kinds of research material, including:
- An individual physical sample
- A collection or aggregation of samples
- A defined feature of interest from which samples are taken
The identifier refers to the conceptual identity of the sample rather than to a specific container or storage location. This allows the same IGSN to remain valid even as the physical handling or preparation of a sample changes over time.
Global infrastructure and governance¶
The IGSN system is governed by IGSN e.V., an international non-profit organisation that oversees policies, community engagement, and technical development. Identifiers are registered through the DataCite infrastructure, ensuring compatibility with established DOI-based citation and discovery systems used across scholarly research.
This governance model ensures that IGSNs are:
- Globally unique and centrally registered
- Resolvable via standard web infrastructure
- Integrated with existing scholarly PID ecosystems
Why persistent identifiers matter¶
Persistent identifiers provide the foundation for reliable scholarly communication. By giving each research entity a stable reference, they enable clear citation, support data discovery, and help connect related research outputs across institutions and over time.
In this way, IGSNs play a similar role for physical samples as DOIs do for publications and datasets, forming part of the wider ecosystem of persistent identifiers that underpin modern research infrastructure.
Further reading on Persistent Identifiers¶
For a broader introduction to persistent identifiers and their role in research infrastructure, see the guidance developed through the AHRC-funded Towards a National Collection programme:
See also: