The state of the Protein Structure Initiative

On September 12–13, 2003 plans for the second, production stage of the Protein Structure Initiative (PSI) were presented in open session to the Advisory Council of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, and were given concept clearance. At this milestone it seems timely to review the inception, growth, and status of the PSI, and to discuss some of the issues that have arisen concerning the PSI. This editorial will also touch on the second-stage plans mentioned above.