High quality cancer research using human biospecimens must be based on biospecimens that have been obtained according to rigorous ethical and procedural standards. Methods for biospecimen collection, stabilization, processing and storage for research, however, are highly variable and the biospecimens available for research often are of unknown quality. The National Cancer Institute Biospecimen Research Network program was initiated in 2006 to conduct, sponsor, report and collaborate on research to better understand the effects of different biospecimen collection methods on downstream molecular analysis. An online Biospecimen Research Database and an annual symposium, Advancing Cancer Research through Biospecimen Science, have been developed and many research projects are underway to develop a knowledge base from which to develop evidence-based biospecimen standard operating procedures and methods for assessing biospecimen quality. These efforts will enable better cancer research and development efforts.