HEPI Launches New Policy Note on Advancing Translational Research to Support Real-World Solutions

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The Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) today publishes Advancing Translational Research (HEPI Policy Note 57) with a foreword from Baroness (Margaret) Hodge of Barking.

The authors, Lan Murdock, Senior Corporate Communications Manager at Taylor & Francis, and Rose Stephenson, Director of Policy and Advocacy at HEPI, examine the role of translational research in bridging the gap between academic discovery and practical, real-world applications across a variety of disciplines.

With a new UK government led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the focus on evidence-based policy and practical outcomes is front and centre. Translational research, traditionally associated with biomedical sciences, is gaining traction across the social sciences and humanities as a powerful approach to solving complex societal issues. This policy note explores how universities and research institutions can accelerate the translation of scientific knowledge into tangible products, policies, and practices that benefit society.

Key findings:

• Definition and importance: Translational research involves turning basic research knowledge into practical applications to improve human health and well-being or adopting a ‘goal-orientated’ approach from the initial research design stage to solve specific problems. It encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration and can significantly impact societal challenges.
• Challenges: The field faces numerous barriers, including scientific, regulatory, financial, infrastructural and cultural obstacles. These challenges require innovative solutions and collective efforts to overcome.
• Role of publishers: Publishers can support translational research by making scientific knowledge more accessible, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and promoting the translation of research findings into actionable insights.

Recommendations

For academia and research institutions:

• Develop a comprehensive framework for planning, delivering and assessing translational research.
• Offer training and mentoring opportunities for researchers and staff.
• Incentivise and reward researchers involved in translational research.

For funders and decision-makers:

• Diversify funding support for translational research, especially in early and intermediate stages.
• Align funding strategies and policies among various types of funders.
• Develop funding programmes that are adaptable to the challenges of translational research.

For institutions:

• Improve structures, facilities, and equipment crucial for research translation.
• Foster stakeholder and end-user participation in the research process.
• Recognise team science contributions in academic evaluations.

For publishers:

• Create new formats to engage researchers with different audiences more easily.
• Develop platforms and networks to facilitate interaction across academia, industry and the public.
• Adopt standards and tools to improve the access, visibility and impact of translational research.

The report also features a case study on translational research from the automotive industry, demonstrating its potential for substantial real-world impact through innovations that reduce CO2 emissions.

Leon Heward-Mills, Managing Director of Researcher Services at Taylor & Francis, comments: “Translational research holds immense potential to bridge the gap between discovery and application, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and driving innovation that directly benefits society. At Taylor & Francis, we are committed to supporting this transformative approach by fostering networks that connect researchers with each other and with audiences, and by improving the quality, access and impact of scientific knowledge.”

Rose Stephenson, co-author of the report, adds, “We hope this report will serve as a catalyst for academia, policymakers, and funders to redouble their efforts to support translational research that delivers innovation, growth and practical benefits for communities across the UK and globally.”

In her foreword, Baroness (Margaret) Hodge of Barking said: “The higher education sector needs to ensure that it plays its part in providing evidence and support to politicians. This should be seen as a core part of their civic responsibilities. There are excellent examples of researchers engaging with policymakers. Researchers must respond to the needs of public policymakers by showing pragmatism in their approach, embracing problem-solving alongside broader blue-sky thinking and completing their research in a timely manner to meet the pressures politicians face to take decisions.”

This report will be of interest to policymakers, researchers, university leaders, and anyone engaged in driving forward the application of academic research to solve real-world challenges.