The 4th Annual Shanghai Symposium on Clinical & Pharmaceutical Solutions through Analysis (CPSA Shanghai 2013) was held on 24-27 April 2013 in Shanghai, China. The meeting provided an educational forum for scientists from pharmaceutical industry, academia, CROs and instrument vendors to share experience and ideas, and discuss current challenges, issues and innovative solutions associated with pharmaceutical R&D. The meeting featured highly interactive events, including diversified symposia, roundtable discussions, workshops, poster sessions and conference awards. Education and specialized training are the foundation of CPSA events. The CPSA Shanghai 2013 meeting also featured an inaugural satellite workshop event in Beijing, as well as joint sessions traditionally held with local bioanalytical and drug metabolism discussion groups.