Alcohol research affords a wide range of opportunities for applied studies addressing intellectually challenging problems with great social significance. Because problems related to alcohol arise in the context of rich interactions among biological, behavioral, socio-cultural, and economic factors, multidisciplinary perspectives typically are needed to inform the research on any particular aspect of the problem. This seminar identifies the magnitude and significance of alcohol-related problems using several alternative measures that suggest specific areas where further study is needed. Research opportunities examining the complex range of influences on several aspects of behavior leading to a broad set of outcomes are discussed, including epidemiologic studies, simulation models of individual and aggregate behavior and outcomes, characterization of the interactions of genetic and environmental factors on behavior and outcomes, and studies of the interactions of public policy and economic behavior of consumers and alcohol producers and sellers. The role of public policy is highlighted, with a close look at the Alcohol Policy Information System, a recently-developed tool to facilitate policy-related research.