The German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen – DZNE) was founded on 3rd April 2009 to meet the challenge posed by the increasing burden of neurodegenerative disorders in the ageing society. The DZNE pursues an integrated research approach which combines basic and clinical research as well as patient care research. The central site of the DZNE is located in Bonn, with additional sites in Tübingen, München, Rostock/Greifswald, Göttingen, Magdeburg, Witten, and Berlin. The DZNE has become closely linked with the University of Bonn, with a large number of DZNE group leaders receiving cross-appointments at the Medical Faculty or Faculty of Natural Science and Mathematics. The mission of the DZNE is to understand the causes of and risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases, and to develop new cures and preventive strategies.