Bridging the translation gap – new hopes, new challenges

Abstract

The complexity of modern biomedical research continues to increase. Research-to-practice gaps are now widely pervasive; these widening fissures between the disciplines of research and clinical medicine can only be abridged if the translational processes are methodically backed up by robust methods, many of which are yet to be developed. This primarily relates to the development of biomarkers, biostatistical methods, accelerated human study designs including phase 0 trials and smarter decision-making tools among other features. This brief review highlights the tribulations that have contributed to the lack of technology transfer including lapses in communication between researchers and practitioners, and related factors in service deliverance such as the health care policies, public awareness, and financing. The paper also underscores the heightened attentiveness about the problem in recent years which has, in turn, paved the road for better opportunities to enable cross-fertilization of ideas, collaboration across multiple disciplines and centers, training of students, residents and junior researchers, and promotion of practical research goals.