Research Translation or Translational Research?

What is Research Translation?

The terms research translation and translational research, while distinct, are sometimes used interchangeably.

Research translation is fundamentally about bridging the gap between knowledge gained through research, and its application in policy and practice.  Research translation equates with other terms used internationally such as knowledge translation, knowledge transfer and exchange, research uptake and research utilisation. The following definition for knowledge translation (KT) from the World Health Organization is commonly used:

"The synthesis, exchange, and application of knowledge by relevant stakeholders to accelerate the benefits of global and local innovation in strengthening health systems and improving people's health".²

Examples of research translation include rapid reviews of evidence; the inclusion of evidence when developing practice guidelines, the implementation of new tested technologies, and the redesign of healthcare services incorporating best available evidence. Stopping practices that research has shown to be ineffective, harmful or to not have high value (for example, the use of antibiotics for the common cold) can also be examples of research translation.

What is Translational Research?

Translational research describes research that enables the movement of knowledge from bench to bedside to community along the continuum from basic sciences research to population health research.^3,4,5 Translational research is usually described as occurring in phases (commonly referred to as T1, T2, T3 and T4). This continuum links basic research to its eventual translation into patient and population benefit:

T1 - translation of basic research into potential clinical application providing knowledge about a possible intervention (e.g., developing a new drug, testing the safety of a new drug in a small group of people (Phase 1 clinical trials))

T2 - research involving efficacy studies about interventions that work under optimal conditions (e.g., testing the efficacy and safety of a drug in a larger group of people (Phase 2 clinical trials) or comparing the new drug with current standard practice (Phase 3 clinical trials))

T3 – moving research out of highly controlled environments into the real world (e.g., testing a new therapy or intervention in primary care settings, ambulatory care clinics or community health centres)

T4 - research that assesses the public health benefits of policies and programs at the population level (e.g., evaluation and cost-benefit analysis of a community-based smoking cessation program).

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