The World Association of Copepodologists (WAC) has held its 10th International Conference on Copepoda (10th ICOC) in Pattaya, Thailand between 13 and 19 July 2008. Two hundred and twenty participants from 38 countries joined this meeting; 96 oral and 126 poster presentations were held. During the meeting, old colleagues renewed contacts, while new participants made their acquaintances with colleagues thus far only known by name. The scientific program of the meeting was extensive, reflecting the wide range of copepod research presently ongoing, from taxonomy, over ecology, eco-toxicology, to molecular and even genomic research initiatives. The canvas of global copepod research is indeed very extensive. However, as usual, the personal contacts at such meetings were at least as important. The social program at the meeting allowed ample time for personal discussions and brought the participants in contact with the rich culture of Thailand.

This special issue of Hydrobiologia constitutes the proceedings of this 10th ICOC meeting and comprises a set of 13 papers on Copepoda, which nicely reflects most of the research presented at the meeting. The guest editors thank all of the reviewers who have greatly contributed to improving the quality of the present proceedings.

The chair of the meeting also acknowledges the help of the scientific and organizing committees before, during and after the meeting, as well as the following funding agencies and other instances which provided financial and other support: Office of the Higher Education Commission, Ministry of Education, Applied Taxonomic Research Center, and Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Thailand.