Now with over twenty FDA-approved small molecules, the field of kinase inhibition has matured. The sixth RSC/SCI symposium on kinases will encompass case studies of on-going programmes as well as successful past kinase programmes, with examples from the CNS, inflammation/respiratory and oncology fields being presented. The question of emerging resistance to kinase inhibitors will be raised along with techniques being developed to address this. The symposium will also include views, perspectives and discussions on the future of kinase inhibitor research.