GFZ is founding member and allocating agent of the IGSN International Generic Sample Number and offers IGSN registration and catalogue services. IGSN is a globally unique and resolvable persistent identifier for physical objects with discovery functionality in the internet. The IGSN on the sample links to its online sample description and facilitate the establishment of cross-references between samples and the data derived from sample analyses. GFZ’s IGSN Service includes the registration of IGSNs and comprehensive consultation on best practices for sample metadata and discovery. From 2023 on, IGSNs will be registered as DataCite DOIs.

IGSN Registration Service, IGSN Catalogue Service

Library and Information Services (ID1)