This interactive panel session will use the ESIP Cluster’s mapping to trace the network of actors involved in the collection and process management of samples through their lifecycle, as well as key use cases and current technical challenges. It will focus on:

1. The assignment of PIDs (e.g., IGSN IDs).
2. Guidelines developed by the ESIP Cluster to enable sample citation in scholarly publications.

By taking a holistic view of those involved in material sample management, the session hopes to foster dialogue between researchers and the (meta)data managers who can realise their changing needs and expectations regarding standardised protocols, transparent metadata, and efficient sample retrieval.