About GGBN

Making Genomic Collections Discoverable for Research through a Networked Community of Biodiversity Repositories

The Global Genome Biodiversity Network is an international network of institutions that share an interest in long-term preservation of genomic samples representing the diversity of non-human life on Earth. GGBN provides a platform for biodiversity biobanks from across the world to:

• Collaborate, ensuring consistent quality standards for DNA and tissue collections,
• Improve best practices for the preservation and use of such collections and
• Harmonize the exchange and use of material in accordance with national and international legislation and conventions.

The Global Genome Biodiversity Network provides its members with the primary benefit of making DNA and tissue collections discoverable for research through a networked community of biodiversity biobanks. In doing so, GGBN provides trusted and transparent access to genomic samples for all, through an access and benefit sharing framework.

Goals

• Provide genome-quality samples from across the Tree of Life for research, training, and development, thereby contributing to the conservation of global genetic diversity for generations to come.
• Provide open access to a global data management system hosting the aggregated primary specimen data and metadata for all the member institutions.
• Develop standards for sharing DNA and tissues information.
• Develop best practices related to management and stewardship of genomic samples and their derivatives, including appropriate access and benefit sharing (ABS).
• Promote targeted preservation of genomic samples representing a synoptic sample of Life on Earth.
• Recruit partners with different regional and taxonomic focus, to preserve the global genetic diversity in a concerted effort.

Background

Biodiversity research and preservation is informed by genetic research. Increasingly, it is important to employ the best standards and practices in the care of genetic collections and to provide access to them using standards that promote research while respecting the owner's rights. As a step towards the development of a global network of biodiversity repositories that would encourage the use of best practices, standards, and accessibility, thirty two representatives from thirteen organizations across Africa, Australia, Europe, North, Central, and South America convened for a two day workshop in October 2011. This workshop produced preliminary plans for an international coordinating mechanism for biodiversity biobanks.

In order to guide the transition of GGBN from a concept created in 2011 to a formalized member driven organization, an International Steering Committee of (hereinafter referred to as the interim Executive Committee) was formed. A series of meetings were held and three task forces were established to develop and implement a strategic plan and program of work. The Global Genome Biodiversity Network (GGBN) was thereby created. A Memorandum of Cooperation was distributed for signature by members in March 2013. From March 2013 through June 2015 input was gathered from the research and biobanking communities, along with other stakeholders, to develop a draft governance model. A white paper on GGBN was published in January 2014 and an international conference was held in June 2014 to further engage the biodiversity biobanking community.

Since the Network’s conception in 2011, GGBN has grown to include 38 biodiversity biobanks from 20 countries. Twelve member institutions are contributing data to the GGBN Data Portal and 26 member institutions are working toward this goal.

Data Portal

In order to meet the goals of the Global Genome Biodiversity Network, members require a shared data portal to expose their genomic collections for research. Up to now, the DNA Bank Network is the only portal providing biodiversity tissue and DNA data in a standardized way, offering interoperability with a wide range of Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) compliant data sources. While the setup of the DNA Bank Network is fully functional, the existing framework is limiting for GGBN members, working only with BioCASe/ABCDDNA and DiGIR (if voucher data are available through DarwinCore), and not with DarwinCore Archive. Most GGBN member institutions, however, use DarwinCore Archive to deliver their data to GBIF. The upcoming GGBN Data Portal will build on the existing DNA Bank Network's model and will work for BioCASe/ABCD, IPT/DarwinCore Archive, and DiGIR providers (only voucher specimens in non GGBN collections, not for DNA samples).