The mission of the Basel Epidemiology Seminar (BES) is to facilitate communication among those engaged in epidemiological research and education in the Basel region, and to promote the development and use of epidemiological methods in health research. This is done by organizing joint seminars which serve as a forum for independent scientific exchange on current topics in epidemiology and for discussion of work in progress. BES further intends to promote the exchange of knowledge of epidemiologists working in different settings in the industry and in academia.