Introduction to the special issue on group decision and negotiation 2001

Following on from the highly successful conference in June 2000 (Glasgow Scotland), June 2001 once again saw researchers from around the world come together in La Rochelle to discuss and debate Group Decision and Negotiation support (and of course try the wonderful cognac that the area is famous for). The conference included over 40 papers/presentations and was attended by around 60 participants. As with the previous year's conference this meeting brought together researchers from the US, Europe, and Australasia, reflecting the broad research interest and activity in the field. Also, participants represented the two working groups affiliated with the conference: INFORMS and EuroGDSS.