On 27th August 2003, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich, Switzerland, hosted the Horten symposium on "Decision-making in medicine". Professor Johann Steurer, Director of the Horten Centre, managed to arrange an impressive scientific programme attracting experts from both Switzerland and abroad. Numerous physicians and humanities scholars seized the opportunity to hear renowned speakers talking about the latest developments in science and practice and to jointly elaborate strategies to solve the problems of our health system.

Professor Steurer was very pleased with the course and the outcome of the conference. "The audience was confronted with committed statements, leading to animated discussions. My team and I used this event not only for further education, but also to expand our network and to initiate new projects with international research groups."

The efforts and achievements of the Horten Centre regarding the implementation of evidence-based medicine were adequately appreciated by different participants. Animated discussions between the presentations as well as over the joint meals showed the great need of the participants to exchange ideas and opinions about decision-making in medicine. Furthermore a considerable number of those present expressed a wish to deal with this urgent subject more often and more thoroughly. In this context, the foundation of a "Zurich group" at the Horten Centre was also mentioned - a group that should make possible scientific examination of medical theories.

Barbara Baumann