Physical samples play a central role in a wide diversity of earth, environmental, and planetary sciences. This Splinter Meeting invites researchers, data and sample curators, publishers, funders, and representatives of research infrastructures to learn about the IGSN Global Sample Number and how it can increase sample visibility, use and tracking; support sample management; and dramatically advance the value of physical samples to science and society. The IGSN links digital data and publications to the physical objects thus enabling to demonstrate the value and impact of samples for generating new knowledge.