The International Society for Affective Disorders (ISAD) is a society of scientists, from any discipline or country, who are active in the field of affective disorders research. The basic requirement to qualify for membership is authorship of articles on affective disorders that have been published in peer reviewed journals. The membership includes those working in a scientific capacity in universities, hospitals, industry and other settings. ISAD operates a policy of mutual respect for different scientific approaches to the investigation of the affective disorders, providing they remain within an evidence-based framework. Members will receive the Journal of Affective Disorders as part of their membership and gain access to the network of researchers through the organisation's website (http://www.isad.soton.ac.uk ). When fully operational the site will contain an open access section for information to the public and for announcements. There is currently no conference that focuses solely on research into the affective disorders from all disciplines and brings together recent research findings on a yearly or biennial basis. The first meeting is being planned for 9-13 March 2002 in Sicily. For more information on how to join ISAD please contact David K. Beck, Director and Administrator, The International Society for Affective Disorders, Professional Education & Training Unit, Mental Health Group, University of Southampton, Royal South Hants Hospital, Southampton SO14 0YG (tel: 023 8082 5543; e-mail: isadsoton.ac.uk ).