In this chapter we describe this book's genesis in the formation of a developmental and life-course criminology (DLC) thematic group within the Australian and New Zealand Society of Criminology. This group brought together a wide range of scholars undertaking innovative research in DLC that is helping to reorient the field as one that prioritises the achievement of better outcomes for individuals and society. The 13 chapters are organised into four sections: (1) Responding to Challenges in the DLC Field; (2) Innovations in Collecting, Analysing, and Interpreting DLC Data; (3) Examples of DLC Research Informing Translation Activities and Driving Advances in Policy and Practice; and (4) Placing Prevention at the Forefront of DLC. Two cross-cutting themes underpin the chapters. The first theme is the need to move beyond prospective longitudinal studies by recourse to new data sources; diverse data collection methods; different epistemological approaches; and enhanced collaborations across diverse fields. The second theme is the need to move beyond cursory discussions of the implications of risk and protective factors in informing the development of preventive and rehabilitative initiatives. More application of effective techniques to prevent offending drawing on innovations in DLC research would be in everyone's interests.