OBJECTIVES: A series of quality of life special interest groups were set up by ISPOR in 1999 in order to stimulate discussion and contribute to the advancement of science. The translation and cultural adaptation group has met four times and has been working towards the development of a set of principles of best practice. METHODS: The approach reviews and builds upon current practice, taking account of existing guidelines and theoretical perspectives. These diverse perspectives have been evaluated with regard to the issues and challenges facing industry and the broader outcomes research community. This approach seeks to be inclusive, taking into account the views of practitioners, academics, and users of health outcome measures. This first stage has resulted in an interim report describing the broadly agreed principles of best practice. The next step will involve broad consultation with practitioners, academics and users in order to refine and develop the interim report. This report will set out objectives and principles and identify examples of best practice illustrated through a series of exemplary case studies. RESULTS: The initial draft of the paper is based upon a synthesis of methodological approaches, common nomenclature, and quality-control assurance requirements used by the range of organizations. The interim report provides both methods and rationale for an expansive list of situations that are now encountered with regularity. It also includes special protocols for a variety of unique considerations that have arisen for translation/adaptation work that is sensitive to expanding needs and challenges of outcomes research in ever-expanding global applications. CONCLUSION: This interim report provides a wealth of information and guidance for Best Practice Principles in Cross-Cultural Translation/Adaptation work. It is hoped that the presentation at this meeting will provide the starting point for the broader review so that a complete range of perspectives can be taken into account.