How can you transition from basic science research to translational research?

Transitioning from basic science research to translational research requires a shift from uncovering fundamental principles to applying findings to develop practical solutions for human health. This involves identifying a promising discovery with clinical potential, designing studies that bridge the gap between laboratory findings and clinical applications, and establishing interdisciplinary collaborations.

Here are a few steps: 1. Identify potential clinical applications: For example,through understanding the mechanisms of disease, identifying therapeutic targets, or developing diagnostic tools. 2. Collaborate with clinical researchers. 3. Obtain funding for translational research 4. Encourage and build a multidisciplinary team. 5. Conduct preclinical studies: Before moving into clinical trials. 6. Design clinical trials: Develop well-designed clinical trials that can assess the effectiveness and safety of your translational research findings in humans. 7. Establish partnerships with industry. 8. Publish and disseminate findings. 9. Continually evaluate and iterate.

Translational research bridge the gap between basic research and practical applications in healthcare, and industries. Steps to transit are; 1.Understand the difference bet basic research & translational research 2. Pick a specific area of interested in translation research and develop your passion in it. 3. Acquire academic and research training to build your knowledge base 4. Get a team of collaborators mostly interdisciplinary and a diversified work team 5. Acquire skills that will make your relevant in translating the research , 6. Get funding support that will aid your research. . 7. Get your research findings published in quality- visible journals 8. Get affiliated with researchers who have successfully transited from basic

Transitioning from basic science research to translational research is a dynamic process with key aspects. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams is fundamental for gaining valuable insights during this transition and comprehending the regulatory and clinical aspects involved. Ethical considerations and necessary approvals are vital, ensuring compliance with ethical standards and regulations, which is imperative for the success of translational projects. Moreover, a profound understanding of funding availability and the development of clear, well-structured study protocols are equally critical components in this journey.

Transitioning from basic to translational research involves identifying a field of interest, gaining clinical insight, collaborating with experts, securing funding, building a diverse research team, designing and conducting studies, navigating regulations and ethics, effective communication, seeking industry partnerships, networking, and finding mentors. This journey bridges the gap between laboratory discoveries and practical solutions to address real-world challenges in healthcare, ultimately benefiting patients and society.

To transition from basic science to translational research, refocus from exploring fundamental science to applying these insights to clinical or practical challenges. - Start by pinpointing real-world issues your research can solve. - Collaborate with clinicians and industry experts to grasp application needs and limits. - Learn about regulatory requirements and commercialization steps. - Enhance your skills with training in translational strategies like clinical trial design. - Work with cross-disciplinary teams and pursue targeted translational funding. - Align research aims with concrete results, bridging lab discoveries with clinical or market needs for a successful shift.

The translational scientist surveils the literature for opportunities to use basic discoveries and maps out how to apply this knowledge towards the goal of improving clinical therapeutics.

Translational research works as a bridge connecting latest findings of basic research and everyday clinical practice. Working in translational research is like building a bridge.

Implementation science is the way forward. Recently majority focus of public health experts have shifted from just observational studies to real world intervention studies, that can bring impact.

A important part when performing studies across different models, ie basic to experimental to clinical, is to have an outcome that can translate between the different models. E.g histological analysis used in experimental models can - naturally - not be applied for clinical studies. While imaging and other noninvasive methods can.

Building a strong network within the translational research community is vital. This involves forming collaborations with clinicians to glean insights into the clinical needs and challenges, networking with professionals in translational and clinical conferences, workshops, and joining pertinent professional organizations. Seeking mentorship from experienced individuals in translational research can provide valuable guidance.

Show interest in others and relationships follow. Trade shows, customers, scientific lectures, associations - it's amazing how connected the world can become! Have patience and know relationships grow over time. Informal relationships are just as powerful as formal ones. Watch, observe, ask for feedback.

I think, first steps are the most difficult. Your mentor and your first connections will open doors and give you the opportunity to meet people interested in your field of research. Your network will grow bigger and bigger.

Seeking guidance from individuals with experience in translational research can save valuable guidance, time, and effort, and I believe everyone needs that.

It is hard to imagine how a mentor can help, but a developed network is important under any circumstances. It is necessary to have acquaintances in all significant areas of translational research, which really does not prevent you from using the services of specialists in this matter.

Translational research is full of regulations, patient data privacy, and other critical (but not so fun to figure out) aspects. I've experienced that collaborating with translational researchers first will help immensely with translational grant applications. To be competitive for translational funding, one must understand that great results are not enough to go to the clinics. Collaboration also helps establish feasible experimental pipelines since not all experimental methods can be implemented in a clinical setting.

Focus your research endeavors on application-oriented projects by identifying unmet clinical needs that your work can address, initiating collaborative projects that include both basic and clinical researchers, and securing funding from sources tailored for translational research initiatives. Enhancing your communication skills is crucial, as it is important to effectively converse with clinicians and other stakeholders while cultivating a translational mindset. Publishing your findings in journals focused on translational science will help showcase your work and contribute to your reputation in the field. Lastly, secure funding from grants specifically designed to support translational research initiatives.

The biggest problem is funding, because as soon as you get it, your research should give a result. As soon as you receive funding, you will have to think about the profit of your project in the future. But it is necessary, because this is the essence of translational research.

I am of the opinion that translational research is more evidence based, research based and in practice based research that can be implemented in practice to benefit individuals.

Seeking funding for translational research is akin to launching a startup—full of promises and hopes, but tempered by the harsh realities of risk. Just as startups must navigate the fine line between innovation and market fit, translational research must balance hope with returns. This is even harder in an economy dominated by "me too" products and mimicry rather than competition motivated by true innovation. Excessive regulation of research (even in the named of ethics) can hurt also, because much of the money may sink into the bureaucratic work instead of ethical excellence. While some grants specifically support this field, researchers must learn to speak the language of ROI (return of investment).

An example I've seen is the latest Nobel prize winner, Katalin Kariko. She faced a lot of difficulties during her carrer, but she kept working and became the greatest hero of every translational researcher.

Embrace the inherent challenges of translational research, showcasing resilience and adaptability in your approach. Clearly articulate the potential practical applications of your research, demonstrating its utility and relevance to patient care. Engage in projects that may lead to clinical trials and establish partnerships with healthcare organizations to solidify your role in translational research.

Receiving a feedback and working on it are two different things . The help of google forms can be taken to collect information but the challenging part is to accept the suggestions and incorporate it in research work honestly without any personal bias.

Pesquisadores em geral têm dificuldade em lidar com as críticas. Enquanto bons pesquisadores utilizam os feedbacks para se aperfeiçoarem e se diferenciarem, a maioria tende a responder às críticas alegando que quem as fez não entende sua hipótese/ideia/pergunta, ou que não tem familiaridade com as técnicas utilizadas. Às vezes, afirmam que a pessoa não é visionária o bastante para compreender seu projeto. Embora existam situações em que isso possa ocorrer, acredito que, na maioria das vezes, os feedbacks são lentes para situações que nossa imersividade ou fissuração em determinados detalhes nos impedem de visualizar a pesquisa de forma ampla e fidedigna, cegando-nos para possíveis problemas.

Katalin Karikó and Elie Metchnikoff, both Nobel Prize winners, exemplify the enduring challenges and opportunities in translational research. Karikó's work on mRNA, faced skepticism and funding hurdles, but eventually created the industry that involved understanding how synthetic mRNA could be used to instruct cells to produce specific proteins. Metchnikoff, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, focused (among others) on gut bacteria and their interaction with the human body, and their potential health benefits. Metchnikoff had to navigate the skepticism of his peers, but the same ideas, a century later, are creating a major industry. Both figures highlight the long, uncertain path from basic science to practical applications.

To move from basic science research to translational research in my field which is cancer, first identify the promising findings in basic research, like molecular targets or cellular mechanisms. Then, develop these findings into potential treatments or diagnostics, often through preclinical studies. Collaborate with clinicians to design clinical trials that test these new approaches in patients. This process also involves securing funding, navigating regulatory requirements, and engaging with the medical community and patient groups for feedback and support. The goal is to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications, improving patient outcomes.

It is really important to understand that not every research can be directly translated into commercial applications. Some of it is purely fundamental and that is where it adds value. Which is perfectly fine!

In my opinion it’s important to understand that one does not exist without the other. While basic science research has more flexibility in finding a solution to a research problem, translational science is more restrictive to tailoring the research solution to fit the clinical needs. Yes it is very gratifying to see your research being used to improve healthcare and help people, it does take a lot of effort to get from benchtop testing to actual clinical usage, lots of iterative testing, trials, statistical analysis, IRBs , funding etc. if one is wanting to switch just for the glory of it then I would say it’s the wrong reason to do so. If you love research and love trying to come up with innovative solutions stick with basic science.

The paper need a section about outcomes and methodology. Make sure to choose an outcome that can translate between different models - basic to preclinical to clinical. When deciding to move up the translational ladder choose wisely before doing so. Say you which to test a drug; have previous paper shown positive results? And if so, in the same outcome category, and with the same pattern? Are there a dosis-respons? Often different studies may find positivt results in different outcomes and when pooling the evidence there is no clear pattern. If so be aware. Further, if there are positive results are they good enough? Is the singular/effect of the drug sufficient to make a change in clinical practice?

Moving from basic science research to translational research represents a shift that connects fundamental scientific knowledge to practical, real-world applications. This transition requires the acquisition of additional skills, collaboration with diverse stakeholders, and the navigation of intricate ethical and regulatory considerations. Promoting public awareness and education about translational research is key, emphasizing its potential to enhance patient care.