The Helmholtz Zentrum München is the German research center for health and the environment. Our goal is to develop a personalized medicine for the prevention and therapy of major common diseases such as diabetes mellitus and lung diseases. Environmental Health serves as a guiding principle for understanding the mechanisms of origin of common diseases: we examine the interaction of genetics, environmental factors and lifestyle. Excellence in science, training and infrastructure, as well as targeted cooperation with the best partners worldwide, form the basis for our success in translation and technology transfer: By developing our research results and applying them, we create rapid benefits for society.