The Silva database is running a survey on which types of contextual data are most important for describing rRNA sequences.
The survey is quick to complete and can be found here: http://www.arb-silva.de/faqs/survey/
The results of this survey will be presented in a session on ribosomal RNA in the next GSC 6 meeting in Oct, 2007 at the EBI.
Further background on the survey is found in the emerging proposal for a “Minimum Information about an ENvironmental Sequence” (MIENS) guideline that takes into account MIGS/MIMS and modifies/extends it to describe rRNA sequences and related markers. This proposal is currently being developed in the GSC Wiki and feedback and contributions are welcomed from the wider community: http://gensc.org/gc_wiki/index.php/MIGS/MIMS_for_16S
