This issue of Sleep Medicine includes the reports from the IRLSSG (International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group) science conference held in Monterey, California from October 23rd to the 26th. Over the past decade, major research advances have been made that strongly impact and alter our understanding of both the biological basis for RLS and also its health consequences. The purpose of the IRLSSG Science Meeting was to review these advances and frame a discussion on the next steps to be taken in each area of research.