Nature Cell Biology editorials have often highlighted the challenges of balancing the demands of an academic career with family commitments, and emphasized the importance of providing adequate institutional support in the form of progressive policies and relevant infrastructure. We are therefore pleased to announce that Nature Publishing Group will be supporting the American Society for Cell Biology's childcare awards for a period of five years, from 2011–2015. These awards are intended to meet the childcare needs of early-stage researchers who would otherwise find it difficult to participate in the ASCB's annual meeting.