2026-10-28 –, Naturalis 01
Physical samples are foundational evidence in heritage science but often lack persistent links to digital research records. The Heritage Sample Register provides a technical preview of a registry designed for sample level identification. It implements the International Generic Sample Number (IGSN) to provide physical specimens with globally unique identifiers. Through the IGSN and DataCite partnership, these samples are integrated into the DOI ecosystem and discoverable via DataCite Commons. The technical architecture follows FAIR Digital Object principles, utilising Cordra as a reference repository with metadata validated through JSON Schemas. Parallel to this infrastructure, the initiative is developing a sustainable community model to support the register as a permanent service. This effort aims to create a stable identification layer that connects physical archives with the broader digital research ecosystem. By the time of this conference, the pilot service will be operational, demonstrating the practical application of persistent identifiers for heterogeneous heritage materials.
The Heritage Sample Register (HSR) addresses a critical gap in the cultural heritage sector by providing a dedicated registry for persistent identification at the sample level. While publications and datasets are increasingly integrated into the persistent identifier (PID) landscape, the physical fragments generated for research purposes often remain siloed. The HSR aims to establish a sustainable register that treats these specimens as first class research citizens. This ensures that the relationship between a parent heritage asset and its derived scientific samples remains digitally intact and traceable.
Technical Framework
The foundational technology of the registry is the International Generic Sample Number (IGSN). This PID system is specifically designed for physical materials and is now tightly integrated with DataCite. This integration allows heritage samples to exist within the broader DOI ecosystem. By utilizing this infrastructure, heritage samples are included in DataCite Commons. This enables the discovery and linking of samples to related research assets such as publications, datasets, and researcher profiles.
The backend of the registry is built on Cordra. This platform is widely considered a reference implementation of a FAIR Digital Object (FDO) ready repository as it natively implements the necessary requirements for machine actionability. Within this framework, all sample metadata is modelled and validated using JSON Schemas. This provides a rigorous data structure while maintaining the flexibility required for the diverse range of materials found in museum and archaeological research.
Operational Strategy
The HSR provides a minimal descriptive record for each sample. This record is sufficient to make the specimen findable and citable. A key principle of the registry is that it does not require institutions to duplicate or move their existing data. Instead, it acts as a central identification layer. Detailed analytical data and images remain in their original institutional repositories or project platforms. The IGSN serves as the stable reference point that connects the physical sample to these distributed digital resources. Over time, this infrastructure will support the creation of digital twins that aggregate all known information about a specific sample.
Community and Sustainability
A primary goal of this initiative is to move beyond a project based pilot toward a sustainable community model with a solid governance structure to oversee the long term evolution of the register. An online sruvey will be set up to help us understand community needs, identify potential pilot collaborators, and plan the staged development of the service. This collaborative model ensures that the registry remains a community owned asset.
The initiative is a collaboration between the National Gallery, KIK-IRPA, Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum, and IESL-FORTH. It is currently supported by the ECHOES and HSDS projects. The registry is rooted in the E-RIHS Research Inf and builds on work from the IPERION HS project. We actively engage with the IGSN DataCite Archaeology and Cultural Heritage of Practice to align our standards. We are also exploring complementary connections with the ICCROM Register of Heritage Samples Archives. By the time of PIDfest 2026, we expect the technical preview to be operational.
