This is the third in a series of blogs about the Research Strategy, intended to communicate major priorities and goals. To learn more about the Research Strategy or to review the 2021 Action Plan, visit this website. Or click here to view our first, second and fourth posts.
Our robust research enterprise portfolio requires monitoring, balancing, and strategic planning to ensure that we are pursuing the optimal range of activities and supporting our researchers in translating discovery from bench-to-bedside and bedside-back-to-bench. The Research Across the Translational Spectrum section of the research strategy aims to optimize the ratios of early/mid/senior investigators, wet/dry research, basic/clinical, and T0-T5 research, and build effective retention, recruitment, and succession strategies.
Basic science research (T0) seeks to understand biological systems at fundamental levels and to develop new tools and capabilities. These fundamental advances inform understanding of human health and disease and serve as the foundation for new treatments and cures.
Early and mid-stage translational research (T1-2) begins with analyzing clinical data. By mobilizing discoveries towards applications for patients, these research efforts can advance medical treatments that directly improve lives. Ongoing clinical research contributes to our overall success as a health system, and adds national visibility to the research enterprise.
Late translation and community-based research (T3-5) complete the translational spectrum by employing unique methodologies to describe and predict threats to public and population health; to identify and address health disparities; to develop, implement, and evaluate practical applications in real-world settings; and to meaningfully engage community stakeholders.
We must excel in all areas across this spectrum to reach our central goal of improving human health by advancing knowledge and transforming clinical practice. With this in mind, the prioritized goals for the Research Across the Translational Spectrum section include:
- Proactively retain highly successful research faculty.
- Ensure succession planning for research programs, centers of excellence, training grant directors, and research leadership positions.
- Promote scientific excellence and innovation as core values.
- Create an integrated infrastructure for translational/clinical research.
For more information regarding specific tactics and activities, we invite you to review our 2021 Action Plans on our strategy website: https://uofuhealth.utah.edu/research/svp-office/research-strategy.php
As with all research, we view this plan as living and iterative. We strive to set a strong and steady course for the research mission, while remaining dynamic enough to continually evaluate and, as appropriate, rebalance our research efforts to optimize institutional growth and leverage emerging areas of importance. We welcome faculty and staff feedback to this strategic proposal.