In an article in the September issue of EMBO Reports (9, 709-713; 2008), Bart Penders, Klasien Horstman and Rein Vos of Maastricht University propose “crafting a new profession at the intersection of science and society”. They write that “the new field of research into the ethical, legal and social aspects of scientific and technological developments (ELSA) is rapidly becoming a professional field with grants, research programmes and university departments devoted to it.” Can ELSA succeed in reacquainting science with society, and the natural sciences with the humanities and the social sciences when, according to these authors, previous attempts have failed? The authors argue that both natural scientists and social scientists are keen to bridge the gap that exists between their respective approaches, but conclude that “only time will tell” if these new attempts will be successful.