From “Bench to Bedside ” and vice versa

To improve the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, scientific discoveries have to be “translated” into practical, clinical applications. Such discoveries are typically made during basic laboratory research (“at the bench”) where scientists search for new discoveries at the molecular or cellular level. This knowledge then has to be transferred to an application at the clinical level (“the patient's bedside”).
However, at least as important is the exchange in the opposite direction: from the bedside important needs and observations are communicated back to the bench to direct basic research and innovation towards the tools needed in the clinic.
Translational research is therefore a two-way-approach – “bench to bedside” as well as “bedside to bench”. Close interaction of disciplines, research and clinic are needed to fulfil translational research, a principle taken to heart at the EATRIS Centres.

Improving translational research

Translational research faces many challenges  that can be overcome through the creation of a more cohesive, multidisciplinary research environment armed with the right resources (e.g. state-of-the-art technology platforms, research hospitals), expertise and professional management. EATRIS Centres are thus designed to guide reseacher through the lengthy and complex process of drug development.

EATRIS aims to improve performance and conditions for translational research by

• providing easier access to research & development facilities and translational know-how for all scientists and researchers in Europe
• overcoming fragmentation along the translational research path
• fostering knowledge exchange and standardisation
• providing training programmes for the next generation of translational researchers
• facilitating and encouraging cooperation between academia and industry