Biological determinants of mental illness in children and adolescents, such as genetic predisposition, gene x environment interactions, structural or functional brain abnormalities, and endocrine dysfunction are poorly understood. We report here on the foundation of and first achievements by a network of young professionals in the area of child and adolescent psychiatry that fosters biological research. YIBcap--Young Investigators in Biological child and adolescent psychiatry was founded in December 2005 and currently comprises 33 scientists from more than ten different German university hospitals, and seven internationally renowned senior advisors. Peer-to-peer support is provided by means of web-based communication software, regular meetings, workshops on research methods and fundraising, special symposia at scientific conferences, research collaborations, and career coaching. First multi-centre studies are planned. Increasingly positive results within the first year let us hope to be able to establish a forum that can contribute to improving scientific output and to encouraging young investigators in child and adolescent psychiatry.
