The presentations at the Symposium were arranged in the following sessions: (1) sterol biosynthesis and interactions of microorganisms with steroids; (2) steroid transforming enzymes; (3) applications of immobilized biocatalysts; (4) central regulation by steroids; (5) biosynthesis and metabolism; (6) mode of action of steroids. Especially the poster presentations covered clinical and pharmaceutical aspects of sterols and steroids.