Translational Research in the Time of COVID-19—Dissolving Boundaries

Abstract

Scientific research gathers data and evidence to test hypotheses within a solid almost philosophical framework that has evolved over hundreds of years About 30 years ago, the concept of translational research emerged across life sciences, first appearing in PubMed in 1993, to support the increased flow of scientific discovery through to patient and societal benefit It was cemented as a strategic priority in the United Kingdom about 10 years later with the creation of nationally commissioned Biomedical Research Centres (BRCs). Different steps in the path from 'bench-to-bedside' were defined moving through proof of principle, defining mechanisms, evaluating benefits, piloting, large trials, outcome-informed improvements, and adoption into the healthcare system. Designated funding streams were created to support each stage, encouraging researchers to balance their distinctive contributions and establish transparent criteria to inform facile progression to the next step of the pathway. Taken together, the overarching objective has been to optimally balance the pursuit of intellectual brilliance with cost-effective and rapid flow from discovery to delivery.