Data and documentation
Data management
Genebanks hold vast amounts of information about the accessions they conserve. Good data management is essential for effective and efficient genebank management. It underpins all the work we do.
It is vital that all the information about our accessions is stored securely, and appropriately linked together so that we can get the most value out of the information we have, and safeguard it for the future.
Software
Data management is under pinned by good software infrastructure. Two pieces of of software are key to managing the UKVGB collections.
GRIN-Global
Our data is managed using the data management system. This is free, open source software designed for genebank data management.
This software is made up of three main components:
- A Microsoft SQL database with a schema specifically designed to support genebank procedures
- Day-to-day curation software
- A publicly searchable website where users can search and order accessions
The GRIN-Global data management system was initially supported by the efforts of:
GridScore NEXT
We use to collect data on our accessions through the regeneration process and during characterisation field trials.
GridScore NEXT was developed by researchers at the . It has a user friendly mobile/tablet interface, QR code integration and high flexibility in the trial set-up. Data collection can take place even when there is no internet connection, making it a great fit for use in our glasshouses or out in the field.
You can read more about how GridScore NEXT is used by us and other researchers around the world in "".
Data management history
When the UKVGB started in the 1980's all our records were held on paper. Now we use a sophisticated computer database and software system called GRIN-Global.
FAIR data
We aim to follow the in the management of our data.
Findable
Accessible
Interoperable
Re-useable
We are constantly working to curate and improve the data we hold in line with these principles.
Data return
Do you have data that relates to UKVGB accessions? Or know about a historic dataset that used UKVGB accessions?
Please let us know by emailing
Telling us about data that relates to the UKVGB collections helps to make the them more Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Re-useable, to the benefit of the whole scientific research community.