Translational research bridges the gap between scientific discovery and its practical application in health — from bench to bedside, and from bedside to population. It brings together scientists, clinicians and policymakers in a continuous process organized into four phases.
The translational continuum: each phase brings the discovery closer to concrete benefit for patients and society.
T2 proves the intervention works in humans (efficacy); T3 studies how to make it work in the real world (implementation).
From entero-hormonal physiology (T1) to surgical trials (T2), protocols like ACERTO (T3) and access policies (T4).
Because clinical observations generate new bench questions — the continuum is not linear.
Written by Francisco Tustumi, digestive system surgeon (FMUSP), associate editor of ABCD.
Developed by Surya MKT