Translational Research

Translational research is scientific research that helps to make findings from basic science useful for practical applications that enhance human health and well-being. It is practiced in the medical, behavioral, and social sciences. For example, in medicine it is used to "translate" findings in basic research quickly into medical practice and meaningful health outcomes. Applying knowledge from basic science is a major stumbling block in science, partially due to the compartmentalization within science. Hence, translational research is seen as a key component to finding practical applications, especially within medicine. Translational research is another term for translative research and translational science, although it fails to disambiguate itself from research that is not scientific (e.g., market research), which are considered outside its scope.

With its focus on multi-disciplinary collaboration, translational research has the potential to advance applied science. This has been attempted particularly in medicine with translational medicine, research that aims to move “from bench to bedside” or from laboratory experiments through clinical trials to point-of-care patient applications.