“We aim to enable a healthy start for our children and youth by identifying opportunities and co-creating preventive strategies with our partners, parents and youth”

Thousands of children have an unfavourable position from the very first phase of life and are unable to reach their full developmental potential, which has major consequences for health, wellbeing and social participation. These disparities become enlarged in times of crises, such the COVID-19 pandemic and climate crisis. Our mission is to optimize developmental opportunities for all children and adolescents, irrespective of their backgrounds and starting points. Together with our societal partners we create inclusive opportunities for a diversity of youth to become participating and contributing citizens.

Early life development is determined by various exposures, from geographical and social to lifestyle and stress related factors. A transdisciplinary approach is essential to understand this complex system. We work together with medical, social and technological sciences, as well as societal partners, parents and youth.

The Rotterdam-Delft region in the Netherlands is our living lab. This region has a diverse and participating youth population, research-minded city councils and a strong, international research community.