Translational science is all about taking ideas and turning them into solutions – quickly. This means turning discoveries into new treatments or solutions for the people who need them most.
Most big health challenges are made up of all kinds of other, more specific problems: there are medical, economic, family, environmental, and social concerns that impact each of us, often in different ways. By focusing on all of the different “layers” of the problem we’re trying to solve, we take a wider view of everything that goes into it. This helps us find the best solution.
Translational Teams bring together researchers, clinical and community partners, industry innovators, and students, all working together with their unique skills and perspectives.This helps us design better research, giving us real-time feedback from people who have a real stake in the work we do. That makes our work faster and safer, with better outcomes for real people in the community. We’re creating practical, real world solutions that work in people’s daily lives – from schools to workplaces, from homes to hospitals, clinics, and anywhere we find our communities.
Affinity Networks are distinct from Translational Teams. Networks are resource cores that provide a supportive environment to advance new research methodologies, teaching excellence, community engagement, or professional development. While Affinity Networks do not directly address a health challenge, they work with Translational Teams and others to provide expertise and innovation that helps train the next generation, advance research, and improve the health of our communities.