This ROI is intended to start discussions on the release of the RCC (Methanomassiliicoccales) genomes through peer-reviewed journals and through Mr. Li’s thesis. Currently, Mr. Yang Li’s is in the process of writing his PhD thesis. His research has involved the genome sequencing of the RCC isolate ISO4-H5 and analysis of its genome.  As part of this thesis, Mr. Li will include a chapter discussing the comparative genome analysis of ISO4-H5 in relation to the publically available RCC genomes from human (3 genomes) and ruminants (1 genome) to identify genetic elements that may contribute to niche adaptation to the rumen environment.  Outside Mr. Li’s research, a further two RCC genomes from ruminants (ISO4-G1 and ISO4-G11) have been sequenced as part of the current 5.5: Microbial genomics to underpin methane mitigation objective. Presently, ISO4-G1 is complete and ISO4-G11 is in draft format. For the best possible analysis to be completed for Mr Li’s thesis, it would be best to use the ISO4-G1 and ISO4-G11 genomes, in addition to the publicly available Methanomassiliicoccales genomes.  Therefore, we would like to make a request to use the genomic information for both ISO4-G1 and ISO4-G11 in Mr. Yang’ comparative analysis and allow the results of this analysis to be used in his thesis.  Mr Li intends to submit his PhD thesis by end of calendar year (estimate November 2015).  If necessary the thesis content can be embargoed until the ISO4-G1 and ISO4-G11 genomes appear in subsequent a publication, or at an agreed date.
In parallel with this, Mr. Li is finalising the first draft of one of his publications that will come from his thesis - a genome report on ISO4-H5 intended for Standards in Genomic Sciences journal, which will be submitted to the ROI system for approval in July 2015 and will request the release of the ISO4-H5 genome sequence.  The ISO4-G1 and ISO4-G11 genomes are NOT being used in the analyses for this paper and will not be released.  
