The Distributed System of Scientific Collections (DiSSCo) is a distributed word-class Research Infrastructure to integrate European Natural Science Collections (NSCs) for data-intensive research and innovation in environment, food security, health, and bioeconomy. The DiSSCo RI aims to digitally unifies all European natural science assets under common access, curation, policies and practices that ensure that all the data is easily Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable (FAIR principles). By mobilising, harmonising and providing Natural Science Collections data, DiSSCo fills a significant gap in the value chain of European RIs because it provides a fundamental basis of knowledge at the scale and precision required to enable research for tackling grand societal challenges.

DiSSCo represents the outcome of significant scientific and technical investments, started in 2004, to design a virtual organization for European Natural Collections. In the ESFRI Roadmap since 2018, DiSSCo develops an integrated approach to provide unified access and analysis services, building on the super-advanced CETAF network and on multiple previous access programmes. In its Implementation Phase since 2020, DiSSCo has engaged with strong scientific, managerial and technical leaders at national levels to unify 115 leading Natural Science Collection facilities in 21 countries. Each of the DiSSCo national nodes identifies complementary thematic priorities, relevant to the delivery of the DiSSCo service portfolio, and ensuring alignment with national Strategies for Smart Specialisation.