Recent advances in molecular and cellular biology have facilitated the discovery of the key molecular drivers of major diseases. This knowledge raised some optimism in the beginning of this century, yet its impact on disease prevention, diagnosis and targeted intervention remains low. At the same time the pharmaceutical industry is facing the dual challenges of a dwindling drug pipeline and ever increasing cost of drug development. It is against this background that a number of European countries decided to establish EATRIS, the European Advanced Translational Research InfraStructure in Medicine. EATRIS aims for faster and more efficient translation of basic research into innovative products, by providing academia and industry access to the state-of-the-art expertise and highly capital-intensive facilities residing in Europe's top translational research centers and hospitals. To this end, EATRIS formed product groups that provide translational services in the fields of development and supply of (1) molecular imaging and tracing, (2) vaccines, (3) biomarkers, (4) small molecules and (5) advanced therapeutic medicinal products. Herein we describe the background, goals, functions and structure of EATRIS. As an example, it will be described how EATRIS centers involved in imaging and tracing might contribute to more efficient drug development and personalized medicine.