Pedro Mendes wrote:
>One further point that I haven't yet seen mentioned (but that I did in my email to the IUBMB) is that the ongoing discussions to alter the international agreements on copyright of computer-accessible databases. If the proposed alterations come through, whoever will end up curating the enzyme nomenclature database will almost surely charge for its use (and potentially a lot given that the industry will possibly afford to buy such information!)
Yes indeed. This is perhaps the most important reason for biochemists at
large why IUBMB (or if necessary another non-profit organization) should
continue sponsoring it. Of course other bodies could do the work just as
well (maybe better), but if any commercial organization takes it up it
certainly won't be for charity.
Incidentally, when I checked the list yesterday a high proportion of
messages of support received so far proved to come from regular
contributors to this group. Thanks.
Athel
