Translational research: designing the route from bench to bedside

Historically, medical practitioners and research scientists worked in well-established and fiercely guarded silos, where information sharing was limited and collaboration was virtually unknown. It was clear, however, that this disconnection between science and practice was not in the best interests of progress or patients.

            Now, we live in a collaborative age where interdisciplinary teams work together to share skills, ideas and resources, enabling innovation at the bench to develop into new treatments at the patient’s bedside much more quickly and with fewer obstacles. This ‘translational research’ philosophy is helping to drive huge leaps forward in treatment methodology and is also shaping patient treatment journeys, with a less linear and more holistic approach to connecting the patient experience with meaningful engagement across the research, treatment and monitoring cycle.

            Despite these ideological leaps forward, tangible translational research working methodologies can be inhibited by the built environment in which scientists and clinicians work. The conventional silo approach to research and treatment activities is perpetuated by facilities designed to support these disciplines in isolation. Even where estates have been transformed to encourage improved communication and interdisciplinary collaboration, the focus has been on co-location rather than genuine opportunities for engagement on either a formal or informal basis.