Recommendation 4.3

Recommendation to researchers to record IGSNs when taking samples

Description

Status: 23.5.2025

Motivation for this Recommendation:

Researchers, technicians, and others who take or handle samples are best positioned to record IGSNs because they are directly involved in the sampling process and have immediate access to critical contextual information. By recording IGSNs at the time of sampling—and documenting parent IGSNs when creating subsamples—they help ensure that sample provenance is accurately captured and preserved. This reduces the risk of information loss, supports reproducibility, and enables reliable linking of samples to data, publications, and other research outputs. Their active involvement in IGSN registration strengthens the traceability and long-term value of sample-based research.

Recommendation

It is recommended that researchers, technicians, and other people who take samples:

record an IGSN when taking a sample.

record parent IGSNs when subsampling or splitting physical samples.

Binding Convention:

mandatory	conditional	optional
Helmholtz FAIR Principle

Precondition for Implementation:

Related Recommendations

Parent:

Dependent:

Other: none

Contributors

Names of contributors to this recommendation

Content

1. Explanation of the Background and Benefits of the Recommendation

About

History and structure

Current Use of …

Motivation

2. Possible alternative solutions

3. Consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of implementing the recommendation

See the general discussion of advantages and challenges implementing IGSNs in the recommended way.

4. The Recommendation

[Format: Wer! macht was! wo! wann! unter welchen Voraussetzungen!]

5. Naming of communities that have already implemented the recommendation

6. Documentation of the test to validate correct implementation

7. Examples of Instances

8. Further Information

References

Relevant Community Recommendations

9. History of this document