Overview
ISO 21710:2020 - Biotechnology - Specification on data management and publication in microbial resource centres - provides a framework for consistent data management and publication in microbial resource centres (MRCs). The standard specifies requirements and recommendations to improve data quality, interoperability and traceability of microbial material and associated data. Its goal is to streamline procedures such as accessioning, acquisition, authentication, preservation, storage and distribution while supporting data sharing and benefit‑sharing obligations (e.g., Nagoya Protocol considerations).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Data publication and catalogues
- MRCs shall develop, maintain and frequently update online catalogues to reflect in‑house databases and timely changes.
- Catalogues should disclose associated data according to agreed terms and conditions.
- Data fields and minimum dataset (MDS)
- The standard defines a set of data fields and a recommended minimum dataset to ensure unambiguous identification of each accession.
- Annex A provides recommended data sets for catalogue entries.
- Data management and lifecycle
- Requirements for in‑house data management to support accessioning, acquisition and long‑term preservation.
- Specific provisions for patent deposit, transfer and traceability of microbial material and associated data.
- Unique and persistent identifiers
- Use of unique identifiers (including URIs and persistent identifiers) to link microbial material with associated digital records and enable interoperability.
- Data quality control
- A quality control workflow and procedures to improve accuracy and reliability: personnel responsibilities, content and format checking, and recommendations for enhancing interoperability.
- Legal and contractual documentation
- References to Material Accession Agreements (MAA), Material Transfer Agreements (MTA), mutually agreed terms (MAT) and IRCC/PIC considerations under the Nagoya Protocol.
Practical applications and users
Who uses ISO 21710:2020:
- Microbial resource centres (MRCs) and microbial biobanks implementing robust data publication and management systems
- Regulatory authorities and organizations assessing MRC competence
- Accessioning and curation staff, data managers and quality assurance teams
- Patent authorities and depositary services handling patent deposits under the Budapest Treaty
- Academia and bioindustry relying on high‑quality, interoperable microbial datasets for research and development
Practical benefits:
- Improved global data sharing, catalog interoperability and discoverability
- Enhanced traceability from field collection to distribution
- More reliable data for research, commercialization and compliance with access and benefit‑sharing obligations
Related standards (if applicable)
- ISO 20387:2018 - Biotechnology - Biobanking - General requirements for biobanking (referenced normative standard)
- Related references in ISO 21710 include terminology and identifier standards (e.g., ISO 24619, ISO/IEC 11179) and procedures relevant to patent deposit (WIPO/Budapest Treaty).
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