  We present a brief overview of a splinter session on M dwarf stars as planet
hosts that was organized as part of the Cool Stars 17 conference. The session
was devoted to reviewing our current knowledge of M dwarf stars and exoplanets
in order to prepare for current and future exoplanet searches focusing in low
mass stars. We review the observational and theoretical challenges to
characterize M dwarf stars and the importance of accurate fundamental
parameters for the proper characterization of their exoplanets and our
understanding on planet formation.
