The series of ECSQARU conferences was initiated by the members of ESPRIT DRUMS Project led by Philippe Smets. One of the central themes of this project was to develop a heterogeneous view of formalisms for uncertainty. Rather than trying to develop a particular approach to the exclusion of others, members of the project were keen to compare and contrast their preferred approach with other approaches. This led to a very stimulating and worthwhile environment for research. This spirit has continued with the ECSQARU series.

Since there is no society or institution behind ECSQARU, the permanent committee (consisting of Philippe Besnard, Didier Dubois, Lluis Godo, Anthony Hunter, Finn Jensen, Juerg Kohlas, Rudolf Kruse, Serafin Moral, Henri Prade and Romano Scozzafava) aims to ensure the continuity of the ECSQARU series.