IMPC is currently evaluating its future production and phenotyping priorities. To date, IMPC has focused on protein coding genes with human orthologs and little to no functional annotation, also referred to as “dark genes”. To date, the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium- IMPC [which includes the NIH-funded Knockout Mouse Phenotyping Program (KOMP2)] has produced knockout mouse lines for 11,208 unique genes and conducted comprehensive phenotyping on 9,774 knockout lines, representing 9,073 genes. All data is accessible at www.mousephenotype.org and mice are available to order from public mouse repositories [e.g., Mutant Mouse Resource and Research Center (MMRRC)]. The purpose of this survey is to ascertain your level of interest and enthusiasm for IMPC to continue its production and phenotyping of knockout mouse lines for the remaining human orthologous genes in the mouse genome. In addition, this survey seeks your input on the scientific value of IMPC producing and phenotyping allele types other than knockouts. As a representative of your field of research, please consider and answer the following 9 questions…think broadly! Thank you for participating in this brief 10 minute survey.

With uncertainties around federal funding for higher education, some schools are cutting back. Experts say that could hurt not only students and faculty, but ultimately make the U.S. less competitive.