The Global Genome Biodiversity Network: Leveraging DNA and Tissue Collections Globally

Every year tens of thousands of genomic samples and sequence data are created, but only a minority of the samples and data are stored for future research under controlled conditions. The Global Genome Biodiversity Network (GGBN, http://ggbn.org ) was formed in 2011 with the principle aim of making high-quality well-documented and vouchered collections that store high-quality DNA or tissue samples of biodiversity, discoverable for research through a networked community of biodiversity biobanks. This is achieved through the GGBN Data Portal ( http://data.ggbn.org ), which links globally distributed databases and bridges the gap between biodiversity biobanks, sequence databases and research results. The GGBN provides its members with the benefit of making DNA and tissue collections discoverable for research through a networked community of biodiversity biobanks that provide standardized methods for making genomic collections discoverable and provide these biobanks with community standards and best practices for the collection and data management of high-quality DNA and tissue samples. At present, GGBN consists of 36 member institutions in 18 countries, with 12 DNA and tissue collections already being made discoverable for research. Here we review progress on GGBN Data Standard and associated Data Portal development.