Life scientists have been challenged more than ever this year not just to critically analyze data, but to better interpret those data for an increasingly critical public. Here at The Scientist, we looked for touchstone events for the life sciences in 2005. Our picks not only defined this year, but will continue to shape and test the nature of research, education, the cohesiveness of the scientific community, and the ever important public discourse. And we didn't neglect the scandals, deals, and technical achievements that have defined the business of bioscience this year (see page 18). But don't just take our word for it. If the lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina are any indication, life science is strong only for the community that supports it. Join that community online http://www.the-scientist.com to rate our choices, nominate your own, and offer your predictions as to how the biggest bioscience stories of 2005 will bear out.