INSDC Minimal Specifications

The INSDC has established a set of core technical standards to ensure that nucleotide sequence data shared across all member databases remains consistent, interoperable, and dependable.

Formalized by the INSDC Implementation Committee in 2025, these specifications harmonize existing standards with modern data workflows. By defining a unified data model and clear inclusion criteria, they address how data was validated and exchanged. These living documents are designed to evolve alongside technological shifts and the growing diversity of the global scientifc community.

Defined minimal specifications

Analysis Secondary data files that are derived from computational workflows or provide supplemental biological context to INSDC nucleotide data.
Annotation Description and location of the biological features in the cited sequence.
Assembly Description of the set of assembled sequences and related metadata that identifies the chromosomes, unlocalized sequences, and unplaced sequences that represent a genome.
Compressed reads Sequence read files without base level qualities provided in INSDC specified formats.
Experiment Collected sequencing experimental information (methods, platform, library, and machine configuration).
Package-checklist A predetermined set of metadata requirements for sample registration.
Project A collection of biological data and description of research effort related to a single initiative.
Raw reads Sequence read files containing base level information provided in INSDC specified formats.
Sample The description of the biological source materials used in experimental assays.
Sequence Assembled nucleotide sequences.