While the history of organ transplantation extends more than 100 years ago, successful human organ replacement has been only feasible since the discovery of cyclosporine. We are, therefore, very proud to celebrate with a symposium this important 50th anniversary of cyclosporine at the same time as the 1000th liver transplantation in Zurich. Our aim is to present with this special symposium an overview from the beginning of liver transplantation to nowadays, combined with several highlights.