There is a strong record in several areas within this field, especially in the analysis of the molecular mechanisms of chaperones and the elucidation of the principles governing protein translocation. The importance of cross-discipline research is reflected in the different expertise and scientific backgrounds of the scientists invited to attend this cluster. Key discoveries include the unravelling of the protein import machineries of mitochondria (Neupert) and chloroplasts (Soll), the analysis of protein secretion by pathogenic bacteria (Heesemann), the mechanisms of intracellular trafficking to maintain the endomembrane system (Schliwa), the structure of the Sec secretion system (Weinkauf), the mechanistic analysis of chaperone machineries (Buchner, Hartl).