The Second Conference on Co-ordination of Galactic Research was held from 17 to 22 June 1957 at Saltsjöbaden near Stockholm, at the invitation of Dr B. Lindblad, director of the Stockholm Observatory. It was prepared by the sub-commission on Co-ordination of Galactic Research of Commission 33 of the International Astronomical Union. The local organization was in the hands of the Stockholm Observatory, particularly of Professor B. Lindblad and Dr J. Ramberg. By a grant from the Swedish Government the participants received free board and lodging at Vår Gård, a boarding-school belonging to the Swedish Co-operative Union. A considerable part of the travel expenses was defrayed from funds made available by UNESCO and the International Astronomical Union.