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Updated: May 15, 2026
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Translational Brain Mapping at the University of Rochester Medical Center: Preserving the Mind Through Personalized Brain Mapping
Published on: August 12, 2019
Advancing neurosurgery through translational research
Claire Lacey1, Garnette Sutherland
1Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Neurosurgery, and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Neurosurgery
|December 21, 2012
Summary
Translational research accelerates medical advancements by bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical practice. Two models, investigator-driven and industry-enabled, facilitate the adoption of new medical technologies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Biotechnology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- The increasing volume of research publications risks obscuring valuable discoveries.
- Translational research is crucial for integrating novel findings into clinical practice.
- Effective translation strategies are needed to overcome research-to-practice gaps.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore frameworks for maximizing the clinical adoption of research findings.
- To examine investigator-driven and industry-enabled translational research models.
- To illustrate industry partnership methods through case studies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of two distinct translational research models: investigator-driven and industry-enabled.
- Case study examination of IMRIS (intraoperative MRI) and neuroArm (surgical robot) partnerships.
- Evaluation of strategies for commercializing research innovations.
Main Results:
- Investigator-driven research offers flexibility but is slower; industry-enabled research accelerates development via funding.
- IMRIS, an investigator-founded company, achieved success after a 7-year development period.
- The neuroArm project involved selling intellectual property to an established company for global commercialization.
Conclusions:
- Translational research models, particularly industry partnerships, are vital for advancing medical practice.
- Strategic collaborations can expedite the delivery of innovative medical solutions.
- Successful translation requires tailored approaches based on research goals and commercial potential.
