Translational Medicine

“Never before have scientists had access to the remarkable tools that are available today and that allow rigorous translational investigations to be conducted. However, the creation of a redefined discipline of translational medicine will require the emergence of a new and vibrant community of dedicated scientists, collaborating to fill knowledge gaps and dissolve or circumvent barriers to improved clinical medicine.” ~Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D., Founding Chief Scientific Advisor, Science Translational Medicine

Translational Medicine Mission

Scope:

To promote human health by providing forums for communication and cross-fertilization among basic, translational, and clinical research practitioners and trainees from all relevant established and emerging disciplines.

A profound transition is required for the science of translational medicine: Despite 50 years of advances in our fundamental understanding of human biology and the emergence of powerful new technologies, the rapid transformation of this knowledge into effective health measures continues to elude biomedical scientists.

This paradox illustrates the daunting complexity of the challenges faced by translational researchers as they apply the basic discoveries and experimental approaches of modern science to the alleviation of human disease. Studies in humans often highlight deep gaps in our fundamental understanding of biology, but the linkages back to basic research to fill these gaps have not been as effective as they could be.

Clearly, creative experimental approaches, novel technologies, and new ways of conducting scientific explorations at the interface of established and emerging disciplines are now required to an unprecedented degree if real progress is to be made. Nothing short of a true reinvention of the science of translational medicine is likely to suffice.

Content:

The Translational Medicine Academy (TMA) develops original, peer-reviewed, science-based scientific content that reports successful advances toward the goal of improving patients’ lives. The International Scientific Advisory Board of scientists and clinician-scientists as well as other experts holds TMA deliverables to the same high-quality standard. These programs are developed from the Mission Areas Annual Plan.

Scope: Cardiovascular disease, immunology/vaccines, metabolism/diabetes/obesity, neuroscience/neurology/psychiatry, cancer, infectious diseases, policy, behavior, bioengineering, chemical genomics/drug discovery, imaging, applied physical sciences, medical nanotechnology, drug delivery, biomarkers, gene therapy/regenerative medicine, toxicology and pharmacokinetics, data mining, cell culture, animal and human studies, medical informatics, and other interdisciplinary approaches to medicine.

Examples of contents in Translational Medicine

• Investigative studies of human biology with an emphasis on disease, including small clinical trials
• Research on models of human disease with significant implications for disease treatment
• Focus, perspectives, and reviews that cover medically related research from a basic science and a clinical point of view
• Commentary on policy, funding, education, and regulatory issues in translational medicine
• Survey of recent noteworthy findings from other publications (Editor’s Choice)
• Special issues that feature comprehensive reviews and analyses of current topics in translational medicine