The workshop entitled "The Role of Cell Interactions in Early Neurogenesis" was held at the Institut d'Etudes Scientifiques in Cargese, Corsica on May 29th to June 3rd, 1983. The setting was ideal for a small meeting whose purpose was to generate as much discussion as possible between the various participants. One of the major topics of this conference was neural induction, that is, the first step in neurogenesis. Neural induction remains poorly understood at the molecular level as compared to the sub- sequent steps of neuronal migration and differentiation. It thus appeared important to unite different researchers working on this fundamental process of neural induction with scientists studying later steps of neurogenesis in order to exchange ideas and suggestions. We would like to acknowledge the invaluable assistance of Marie- France Hanseler, the administrative assistant of CNRS who is respon- sible for the Institute. The workshop was primarily sponsored by CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, France), NATO and EMBO (European Molecular Biology Organization). Additional financial support was generously provided by the International Society of Developmental Biologists, the European Developmental Biology Organiz- ation, the European Council, the Universite Paul Sabatier (Toulouse), la Societe Francaise de Biologie du Developpement, les Etablisse- ments Fabre (Fr~nce) et les Etablissements Sarget (France). The proceedings from this workshop comprise the present volume and there are five general chapters. In addition to the principal lectures given at the Institute, many participants presented short reports and all of these are included in this volume.