Translational Research vs Science
TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH VS SCIENCE DEFINITIONS
Translational Research: Focuses on applying discoveries from basic science to improve human health through clinical applications (e.g., developing interventions, diagnostics, treatments).
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Translational Science: Focuses on understanding and improving the process of translation itself, identifying barriers, testing methods to accelerate translation, and optimizing the research-to-practice pipeline.
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Click here to view the National Center for Advancing Translational Science's (NCATS) definitions on tanslational science, along with additional resources and information. Click here to view their "Transforming Translational Science" factsheet.
TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE ROADBLOCKS
​Roadblocks to clinical and translational science (CTS):
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Infrastructure Barriers
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Lack of funding for pilot projects
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Fragmented administrative and fiscal processes
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Limited multi-institutional trial networks
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Insufficient IT infrastructure for data sharing
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Regulatory and Operational Barriers
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Complex regulatory environment and delays
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Inefficient IRB review and contracting
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Recruitment and retention challenges, especially for underrepresented populations
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Workforce and Training Barriers
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Shortage of qualified clinical/translational investigators
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Limited mentoring and education in translational science
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Academic reward systems that disincentivize team science
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Methodological Barriers
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Inefficient clinical trial designs
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Underuse of registries, adaptive trials, and real-world evidence approaches
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