Translational medicine and the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre concept

The realization of scientific discovery being delivered to patients for their clinical benefit is termed Translational Medicine. This requires the bridging of excellence in both basic scientific endeavour and clinical care. Whilst there is consensus that it is important to drive translation for the benefit of patient care, the mechanism whereby this is to be achieved is less clear. In this article, we describe a novel strategy for the realization of effective translation that encompasses capacity building, a flexible proof of concept in man and the creation of a translational faculty adjacent to clinical research facilities that forms the basis of our NIHR Comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre. The opportunity to deliver world-class biomedical research from within the UK has never been greater.