In July 1998, the International Commission on Continental Erosion of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences organized a symposium with the theme ‘Modelling Soil Erosion, Sediment Transport and Closely Related Hydrological Processes’. The formal and informal discussion sessions at the meeting emphasized the diversity of the approach to modelling erosion and sediment yield and the need for closer integration of field monitoring and modelling activities, but nevertheless provided clear evidence of many significant advances and achievements within the general area. The discussions also highlighted the central role that modelling must play in dealing with the many environmental problems associated with erosion and sediment transport and in the development of effective catchment management and sediment control strategies.