The International Conference on the Cell and Molecular Biology of Chlamydomonas is held every two years. Since its inception in 1983 this conference has brought together investigators from widely different fields and disciplines (cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, biophysics, plant physiology, and genomics) and geographical locations to discuss new approaches to major scientific problems. Chlamydomonas has been a favorite organism for studying such differing topics as the eukaryotic flagellum and basal bodies, and photosynthesis and nuclear/chloroplast genetic interactions. No other forum brings researchers from such different backgrounds together to share new methods and discuss recent results; continued high attendance at all sessions reflects the desire for interdisciplinary interactions among participants.