Dear Influenza Sequence Database user:

It is with great regret that I am closing off free access to the Influenza Sequence Database (ISD) until we determine the need for, and a possible source of funding for, this service. I made this decision after a great deal of thought about the current database funding situation, prospects for future funding, and my career. Since we will continue to maintain and develop the database to support our in-house research, we are prepared to allow access to outside users provided appropriate funding is in place. I describe below options that we are currently exploring for user access. I would appreciate your feedback on these options in the linked questionnaire.

Unfortunately, 2004 has been a very difficult year for the Influenza Sequence Database. The numerous small grants that have funded us since inception of the database have mostly run their course, and I have been unable to secure substantial amounts of replacement funding. Throughout the six years of the existence of the database, I have been hopeful that I could secure NIH funding for our effort. However, the recent award of contracts by the NIH for eight Bioinformatics Resource Centers (BRCs) makes it unlikely that this will happen. Eventually, one of these contracts will lead to a database that supports research on influenza virus.

The effort to support the Influenza Sequence Database has been substantial. My conservative estimate of the cost of developing and maintaining the database over the six years of our existence is $2.5M. In the new climate, with the award of contracts to the BRCs, I have decided that I must redirect the effort that I have been putting into the database into research.

I know that many of you really appreciate the service of the ISD. I am currently investigating with Technology Transfer at LANL two mechanisms for ensuring your continuing access to the ISD, at least until the BRCs become fully functional. One is a site license for the database; the other is a funds-in-agreement. The paperwork will differ between these two options, the latter being somewhat more laborious. However, the latter will also give access to a greater range of data management and analysis capabilities.

I would really appreciate it if you would respond to our questionnaire. It will help us determine how much support we might expect from public users. If you include your email address in this questionnaire, then we will send you a letter in the next week or so updating you on our deliberations. Depending on your responses, I hope to have a decision on the way ahead within the next two weeks.

Those people having current contractual or collaborative arrangements with us will be able to continue to log in to the site. If you have problems with logins, please email flutech@lanl.gov.

If you wish to talk with me about these events, you may contact me at 505-665-6464, or by email at cmacken@lanl.gov.

Best wishes,

Catherine Macken