The First European Conference on Calcium Signalling in the Cell Nucleus took place in Baia Paraelios, Calabria, Italy, from 4-8 October 1997. It was organized by O. Bachs, E. Carafoli, P. Nicotera and L. Santella (local organizers, G. Bagetta and D. Rotiroti) and attended by about 90 specialists. The scientific content was very high and the discussions were particularly intense. Considering that the area is famous for its controversies, one could perhaps have expected aggressive overtones. Instead, in spite of the liveliness of the discussions, the atmosphere was congenial and constructive. The controversies have not disappeared, but a better understanding of some of their origins is now well under way.