Abstract:
Translational research is a scientific approach that aims to turn research findings into effective practices. It requires an integrative perspective in which researchers from multiple disciplines, stakeholders, and decision-makers work collaboratively to develop and deliver research so that it ideally results in complex environmental problem-solving. Historically used in the context of biomedical research, translational research is rapidly expanding in the ecological and environmental realms given the seriousness and complexity of many contemporary environmental issues. Here, I describe ways to incorporate and emphasize translational research approaches in core ecology and environmental courses.
Keywords:
Application, Collaboration, Problem-Based Learning
Outcomes:
Define translational research.
Describe an example of translational research in the context of environmental problem-solving.
Explain how emphasis on translational research in early coursework can help to activate engaged and collaborative scientific perspectives.
Hear it from the author:
Audio Transcript:
Translational research is a scientific approach that aims to turn research findings into effective practices.
It requires an integrative perspective in which researchers from multiple disciplines, stakeholders, and
decision makers work collaboratively to develop and deliver research so that it ideally results in complex
environmental problem solving.
Translational research is a term that gained considerable attention in 2008 when a 40-page feature was
published in the high-impact journal Nature on the need for translational research in the biomedical
field. Such research was needed to bridge the gap between medical researchers and practicing
physicians toward solving human health problems.
Historically used in the context of biomedical research, translational research is now rapidly expanding
in the ecological and environmental realms given the seriousness and complexity of many contemporary
environmental issues. As is the case with biomedicine, these serious environmental issues cannot be
solved by scientists alone.
Expanded into the environmental realm, translational research aims to turn ecological and
environmental research into effective practices for environmental problem-solving.
Introducing students to the concept of translational research in core courses and engaging them in
translational research in upper-level courses can help to cultivate a scientific culture that emphasizes
practical, effective, and collaborative environmental problem solving.
References:
Brunson, M. W., & Baker, M. A. (2016). Translational training for tomorrow’s environmental scientists. Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, 6, 295–299. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13412-015-0333-x
Enquist C. A. F., Jackson, S. T., Garfin, G. M., Davis, F. W., Gerber, L. R., Littell, J. A., Tank, J. L., Terando, A. J., Wall, T. U., Halpern, B., Hiers, J. K., Morelli, T. L. McNie, E., Stephenson, N. L., Williamson, M. A., Woodhouse, C. A., Yung, L., Brunson, M. W., Hall, K. R., Hallet, L. M., Lawson, D. M., ... & Shaw, M. R. (2017). Foundations of translational ecology. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 15(10), 541–550. https://doi.org/10.1002/fee.1733
Kurle, C. M., Cadotte, M. W., Jones, H. P., Seminoff, J. A., Newton, E. L., & Seo, M. (2022). Co-designed ecological research for more effective management and conservation. Ecological Solutions and Evidence, 3(1), e12130.
Schwartz, M. W., Hiers, J. K., Davis, F. W., Garfin, G. M., Jackson, S. T., Terando, A. J., Woodhouse, C. A., Morelli, T. L., Williamson, M. A., & Brunson, M. W. (2017). Developing a translational ecology workforce. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 15(10), 587–596.
https://doi.org/10.1002/fee.1732
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