Translational Research: A Historical Overview and Contemporary Reflections on the Transformative Nature of Research

Translational research, the process of applying the discoveries of basic science to clinical practice, is drawing increasing attention from funding agencies and policy makers. Translational research can be thought of as an attempt to bridge the gap between our knowledge of the world and our ability to intervene in that world. Seen in this light, translational history is as old as humankind. The history of medicine is replete with successful and unsuccessful attempts to improve human health through theory-based changes in clinical practice. The race to understand the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and develop effective drugs based on that knowledge is just such an example. A few practitioners are able to combine focused basic science research with the clinical care of their patients. Research administrators can promote translational research by bringing basic scientists and clinicians together, demanding excellence in the conduct of clinical trials, and introducing practitioners to new developments in basic science.