Phagocytosis of apoptotic cells is a fundamentally important process that occurs throughout life in multi-cellular organisms. The engulfment and removal of apoptotic cells is the final step, and perhaps the ultimate objective, of the apoptotic program. The quick and efficient removal of dying cells prevents secondary necrosis and release of potentially harmful contents, thereby protecting the surrounding tissue. Moreover, phagocytes that ingest apoptotic cells are ‘immunologically silent’ and also secrete anti-inflammatory mediators. The failure to promptly clear apoptotic cells have been linked to certain types of autoimmunity such as SLE, and conditions such as atherosclerosis. Recent studies in mammals and model organisms have identified a number of key players involved in the recognition and uptake of apoptotic cells. This has provided an exciting setting to pick apart and piece together the molecular events regulating engulfment, as well as the post-engulfment consequences. This third Gordon Research Conference on "Apoptotic cell recognition and clearance" will cover topics that are broad, current and exciting to everyone working on various aspects of engulfment as well as disease states linked apoptosis and/or failed clearance. We hope to cover the important new developments from a cell biological, molecular and whole animal perspective, as well as the clinical relevance and bigger picture issues. Together with the formal sessions, we hope that this meeting will engender a number of informative, informal and enjoyable discussions suitable for scientists in a wide array of disciplines.