Translational (or translation) research emphasizes more effective transfer of basic research findings to applied practice situations. It has grown over the past decade from the biosciences–medical practice realm to other settings involving the application of scientific findings to individual, organizational, and societal problem remediation and prevention. Translational research issues focus on how to translate research findings more quickly, efficiently, and effectively to end users. Communication concepts and techniques are a key component in this process.

The traditional and still most active realm of translational research remains in the health sciences, focused most on converting the latest laboratory discoveries into diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive measures ready for clinical trials on humans. A second, closely related translational realm involves moving from successful clinical trials to routine clinical practice. ...