The Institute of Medicine and other national authorities have identified not only critical deficiencies in pediatric trauma care but also insufficient research to address these deficiencies. National research initiatives are needed to understand how best to treat, prevent, and rehabilitate seriously ill and injured children so that we can prioritize, support, and implement necessary changes. Yet, despite the enormity of this public health problem, there is no comprehensive national pediatric trauma research agenda and no infrastructure to support a pediatric trauma research network. The development of a research consortium such as a Pediatric Applied Trauma Research Network, is the next logical step to address these challenges.