Translational Research and Clinical Science – A Few Thoughts

Translational research has gained significant recognition in recent years via providing a strategic direction for both basic and clinical research。In life science, it transforms scientific discoveries into practical applications for improvement of human health. This transformation enhances the opportunity for application while bringing traditional clinical research to a level of clinical science through multidisciplinary interaction. The objective of this discussion is to review the concept of translational research and its impact to traditional clinical research, the need for a paradigm shift from clinical study to clinical science and the fundamentals of clinical research to fully appreciate its value and limitation. Clinical study is generally known to be associated with health-related research in humans. Because of human subject involvement, clinical study must follow appropriate rules and regulations, such as Good Clinical Practice (GCP). GCP provides a guideline for study design, investigators' role and responsibility, and most important, human right protection. A traditional clinical study documents observations for safety and efficacy. Its subjective nature could impact the outcome. New information beyond subjective observation would be beneficial for understanding the mechanism, focus the research effort, reduce time and cost, and improve benefit for human subject. Over the years, progresses were made to have clinical research involve more science and technology. For instances, use of molecular-biological technique to study bacterial population in dental plaque provided information on microbial shift, which can not be done by classic microbiology or clinical measurement; use of bioinformatics develops new learning for disease control and preventive diagnosis; distinguish anti-bacterial agents' mode of action clinically via biotechnology; etc. In summary, translational research provides a novel approach to conduct health science research and accelerate technology development. Clinical researcher should think beyond the tradition, engage with science and technology, and generate new knowledge to maintain the quality of human health.