Solid state NMR is rapidly emerging as a universally applicable method for the characterization of ordered structures that cannot be studied with solution methods or diffraction techniques. This proceedings -; from a recent international workshop - captures an image of the latest developments and future directions for solid state NMR in biological research, particularly on membrane proteins. Detailed information on how hormones or drugs bind to their membrane receptor targets is needed, e.g. for rational drug design. Higher fields are bringing clear improvements, and the power of solid state NMR techniques for studying amorphous and membrane associated peptides, proteins and complexes is shown by examples of applications at ultra-high fields. Progress in protein expression, experimental design and data analysis are also presented by leaders in these research areas.