New metrics for translational research

Abstract

www.thelancet.com/respiratory Vol 2 August 2014 e13 Founded in 2011 by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the German Centre for Lung Research (DZL) is one of six German Centres for Health Research. A key aim of these centres is development of new therapeutic options for major public health issues. Although some translational research programmes focus exclusively on translation of existing basic science fi ndings into clinical practice, the DZL believes that successful translational science can only be achieved by an iterative process including both clinical and basic research. Research metrics put forward by the DZL (panel) therefore include research output and outcome measures, clinical programmes, effects on infrastructure, and networking, training, and outreach. Academia-driven translational research is perhaps more successful in the development of new therapies than was previously anticipated; however, an assessment technique f o r m e a s u r e m e n t o f l a r g e translational research programmes is needed to justify continued funding. Measurement of the success of translational research programmes with broadly applicable parameters is important, but the specifi c features of each individual translational research programme need to be taken into account for adequate profiling. Continued discussion within the translational research community of such an approach should help document translational research programme benefits and provide a basis for ensuring their continued success.