The Surface-Lower Atmosphere Study (SOLAS) Science 2004 is the first international conference to present the initial results of the program. As a core IGBP project addressing the interface between two components of the Earth system, SOLAS depends on research that is not only interdisciplinary, but also involves closely coordinated field studies in which the different research components are combined so as to produce comprehensive data sets. SOLAS Science 2004 provided an important opportunity for building these multi/inter disciplinary linkages and broadening participation in SOLAS.