Translational Research

Translational research is the practice of moving knowledge and discovery gained from the basic sciences to its use/application in clinical and community settings. This concept is often summarized by the phrases "bench-to-bedside" and "bedside-to-community" research.

In order to evaluate, follow, and improve the impact of our efforts to advance translational research, UT-STAR has adapted and embraced the multi-T phase concept of translational research, described below. This is a 5-phase process to move disease-related discoveries from the bench to the bedside to the community and back to researchers for new innovations and discoveries:

• T0 Research is characterized by the identification of ideas, opportunities, and approaches to health problems. Research would begin with a basic research question. 
• T1 Research seeks to move basic discovery into a candidate health application.  Research moves to observational studies with Phase I and II clinical trials.
• T2 Research assesses the value of application for health practice leading to the development of evidence-based guidelines.  Research moves to Phase III clinical trials; observational studies, evidence creation, and guidelines development.
• T3 Research attempts to move evidence-based guidelines into health practice, through delivery, dissemination, and diffusion research.  Research continues with dissemination research; implementation research; diffusion research Phase IV clinical trials.
• T4 Research seeks to evaluate the "real world" health outcomes of population health practice. Outcomes research (includes many disciplines); population monitoring of morbidity, mortality, benefits, and risks studies.

 Real world health results become the catalyst for better research.