Translational Science
Consensus Definition
Translation is the process of turning observations in the laboratory, clinic and community into interventions that improve the health of individuals and the public — from diagnostics and therapeutics to medical procedures and behavioral changes.
Translational science is the field that generates scientific and operational innovations that overcome longstanding challenges along the translational research pipeline. These include scientific, operational, financial and administrative innovations that transform the way that research is done, making it faster, more efficient, and more impactful.
Conversational / Short Definition
The study of the principles, methods, and practices of the translation process in scientific research.
Term Source(s)
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NIH
National Center for Advancing Translational (NCATS) Sciences Established in 2011, NCATS conducts and supports research on the science and operation of translation to bring more treatments for all people more quickly.
https://ncats.nih.gov/about/about-translational-science#:~:text=Translational%20science%20is%20the%20field,along%20the%20translational%20research%20pipeline.
Term Context / Notes
In casual discourse, translational science might be loosely understood as “making science useful” or “applying research to everyday life.” It’s often simplified as the practical side of science, though nuances may get lost outside expert circles.
Alternate Definitions
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Tufts CTSI
Translational science refers to systematic efforts to understand and address roadblocks commonly encountered in translational efforts. The aim is to generate scientific and operational innovations that transform the way that research is done, making it faster, and more efficient, and, thus, more likely to have an impact on health.
The process of translation is often lengthy and challenging. It involves both transforming an idea into a product or procedure through an intricate chain of development and testing activities and equally complex research needed to bridge the gap between those innovations and their implementation, broad adoption, and ultimate impact on health. This journey spans a broad spectrum of efforts, requiring the expertise and insights of many individuals, including patients, community members, and other stakeholders.
Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute | 35 Kneeland Street, 7th – 11th Floors | Boston, Massachusetts T. 617 636 CTSI
https://www.tuftsctsi.org/about-us-2/what-is-translational-science/
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Institute of Translational Health Sciences
Translational Science: The field of investigation focused on understanding the scientific and operational principles underlying each step of the translational process.
Definitions provided by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences
https://ncats.nih.gov/about/about-translational-science/spectrum
https://www.iths.org/investigators/definitions/definitions-of-clinical-and-translational-research/
