Macromolecular Modeling Blog ™

Schrödinger announced several days ago that it has reached an agreement with the estate of the late Dr. Warren L. DeLano to continue the development, support, and sales of the PyMOL software package.

PyMOL is well known to all of us in the field and is perhaps the most widely used and loved molecular visualization tool. According to the announcement, prior to his unexpected passing Warren DeLano, had been working closely with Schrödinger for over a year, and in constant discussions concerning ways to progressively integrate the companies’ products. Warren’s wife said: “I know this is what Warren wanted for PyMOL’s future.”

Tom Stout added on the CCP4BB that Jason Vertrees that has been working closely with Warren for the past several years as a co-developer has agreed to join Schrödinger.

However, a quick search on twitter shows a range of feelings towards this acquizition:

• Schrodinger now owns PyMOL. Will PyMOL now die a excoriating, excruciating death?
• I love pymol. Any idea what this means for the project?
• Good news about PyMOL?

What do you think this means for PyMOL’s future ? Tell us in the comments.

We recently saw these posts reporting that Warren DeLano passed away on Tuesday:

https://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/webadmin?A2=CCP4BB;19EK9w;20091105105413-0800

http://www.macresearch.org/memoriam-warren-l-delano

This is a terrible tragedy and our hearts go out to his family and friends. He was a truly incredible person whose work with PyMOL changed the face of molecular modeling. He also had a huge personal impact on our community. He was dedicated to science and dedicated to making the world a better place through his example and by the personal way he interacted with everyone.

When I was considering starting the Rosetta Design Group a few years back, I asked Warren for some advice by email. He promptly called and we talked for a few hours. After our conversation I reflected on how much his call and advice meant to me, and hoped that I would act as he did in the same situation.

May his example, memory, and code live on forever.