Abstract An next-generation molecular graphics data representation, associated molecular scene repository, and collaborative visualization software tools are proposed. Collectively we refer to these components as a Molecular Interactive Collaborative Environment (MICE). More specifically, MICE consists of: Molecular Scene Description Language (MSDL) which uses an extension to the well established International Union of Crystallography STAR/CIF format to fully describe the molecular scene. Molecular Scene Gallery which collects scenes described in MSDL and which can be queried with respect to features of the molecular scene, and not just text-based descriptions of the molecule. Molecular Scene Collaborative Software part of which has already been prototyped and which allows one user to manipulate the molecular scene while other remote users look on. Any of the remote users can take control via a console that synchronizes user access. The molecular scene can also invoke an external application viewable to all users participating in the collaboration.
