translational research

noun

: medical research that is concerned with facilitating the practical application of scientific discoveries to the development and implementation of new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease

called also translational medicine

Examples of translational research in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Basic and translational research has identified numerous biological mechanisms — genetic susceptibility, appetite-regulation pathways, neuroendocrine processes, metabolic adaptation — that contribute to weight gain and impede its loss. — Max Moser, STAT, 9 July 2026

Scripps Cancer Center is actively involved in clinical and translational research, offers multiple fellowship programs and continuing medical education forums and provides an array of cancer patient support services. — News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 May 2026

Because adipose tissue is abundant and easily accessible, the approach may accelerate translational research in regenerative medicine. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 Jan. 2026

The first hub—the HELIX 1 building, adjacent to Nokia Bell Labs’ new headquarters—is expected to open next year and include Rutgers’s medical school and translational research institute. — IEEE Spectrum, 14 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1986, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for translational research

• birch
• lurch
• perch
• search
• interchurch

Medical Definition

translational research

noun

variants or translational medicine

: medical research that is concerned with facilitating the practical application of scientific discoveries to the development and implementation of new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease

… a new emphasis on translational research to improve the movement of new discoveries from the bench to the bedside.

—The Kansas City Business Journal

And the area of science in which a therapy is advanced from a good idea to animal studies to testing in humans even has a name: translational medicine.

—Delthia Ricks, Newsday