Well-designed, valid, and applicable science is vital to the success of the New Jersey Healthy Kids Initiative. In order to conduct sophisticated, leading-edge research that is inclusive of the communities it is meant to serve, the New Jersey Healthy Kids Initiative will form a scientific advisory board. The scientific advisory board will include experts in fields that enhance the work of the Initiative, with a goal of encouraging creative approaches to the implementation of science in communities. The board will also counsel the Initiative regarding future directions in research and programming.