A decade of technological innovations in drug discovery has had a dramatic impact upon pharmacological practice and pharmacological thinking. An almost exclusive focus on molecular biosciences accompanied an undervaluation of whole-animal and behavioural pharmacology.

The younger generation of pharmacologists, highly proficient in the molecular approaches to drug discovery, now faces the challenge to put this knowledge in the context of complex disease. They want to acquire the skills for a more holistic approach if only to investigate an imminent wave of transgenic animals.

The necessary knowledge is still existent with experts all over the world. They responded enthousiastically to the invitation of the European Summer School for Whole Animal Pharmacology to contribute to this comprehensive course.