Abstract
The new German Center for Child and Adolescent Health (DZKJ) founded as part of the German Centers for Health Research provides an unprecedented and unique opportunity for internationally outstanding research that contributes to the health and well-being of children and adolescents by creating a sustainable, multidisciplinary translational research center with a wide spectrum of clinical and scientific disciplines. The DZKJ attracts and motivates some of the best basic and clinical scientists in Germany inside and outside the field of pediatrics to jointly dedicate their research and creativity to unravelling the causes of both common and rare diseases and to developing innovative therapies and prevention strategies. All DZKJ partner sites will join forces for a pivotal, networked lighthouse for clinical and translational science in pediatrics in Germany and beyond.