The DNA Bank Network was established in spring 2007 and was funded until 2011 by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The network was initiated by GBIF Germany (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). It offers a worldwide unique concept. DNA bank databases of all partners are linked and are accessible via a central web portal, providing DNA samples of complementary collections (microorganisms, protists, plants, algae, fungi and animals). The DNA Bank Network is a founding member of the Global Genome Biodiversity Network (GGBN) and is coordinating and hosting its technical node (data portal). The DNA Bank Network has six international partners, while the GGBN has more than 30 partners.The Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin-Dahlem (BGBM) coordinates the network, where the databases and web portals are designed and botanic DNA samples (plants, algae, protists) are stored. The DNA bank of the Bavarian State Collection of Zoology Munich (ZSM) focuses on safeguarding DNA of invertebrates, lower deuterostomes and fungi. The Zoological Research Institute and Museum Alexander Koenig in Bonn (ZFMK) covers all additional invertebrate groups (invertebrates II) and vertebrates. The Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures in Braunschweig (DSMZ) is specialised on DNA storage of micro-organisms, cell lines, and plant viruses.The DNA bank of the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) joined the DNA Bank Network in 2011 as its first international partner. The DNA bank of the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) joined the DNA Bank Network in 2012 as its second international partner.