This editorial gives an introduction to the seven papers in the september edition of Health Policy and Planning. They pay homage to the work of Professor Gill Walt, who has been instrumental in developing an understanding of health policy analysis as of practical importance to public health and also a legitimate area of academic enquiry. This issue of Health Policy and Planning derives from a workshop of health policy analysts from around the world held in London, the main reccomendations from this workshop are outlined in this editorial.