Functional genomics, the exploration of gene function on a global scale, is currently at the leading edge of progress in the life sciences and medicine.  The ESF Programme ‘Integrated Approaches to Functional Genomics’, which ended in October 2005, facilitated communication and interactions among European researchers and succeeded in engaging a wide audience, gaining considerable international recognition. This new programme will connect the most promising developments in functional genomics technologies with the expanding concept of systems biology, focusing particularly on applications in biomedicine, as well as the environment and implications for society at large.