This renal symposium provided an overview of diverse but key areas of nephrology. Topics included the molecular basis of the glomerular filtration barrier; the clinical management of the nephrotic syndrome; the association of CKD with cardiovascular morbidity; the link between hyperuricaemia, obesity and cardiovascular disease; current immunosuppressive therapies; long-term morbidity and mortality issues in transplant recipients; electrolyte disorders; and conservative therapy for renal failure.