Overview

Clinical and translational research is characterized by a spectrum of activities where critical insights are passed between research modalities so that biomedical discoveries can lead to tangible improvements in human health. Pathfinder defines the C/T research spectrum as T1 through T4 research, and outlines a wide range of applicable Harvard Catalyst resources and educational opportunities at each stage of the spectrum, as well as examples of researchers who work in these domains.

We encourage you to explore the numerous ways in which insights and ideas can travel back and forth across the translational spectrum (e.g., how a T4 finding can fuel T3-based research in guideline development, or even new laboratory benchwork).

Pathfinder is based on material contained in the following three journal references.

References:

Sung NS, Crowley WF Jr, Genel M, Salber P, Sandy L, Sherwood LM, et al. Central challenges facing the national clinical research enterprise. JAMA. 2003 Mar 12;289(10):1278-87. PubMed ID: 12633190
Westfall JM, Mold J, Fagnan L. Practice-based research - "Blue Highways" on the NIH roadmap. JAMA. 2007 Jan 24;297(4):403-6. PubMed ID: 17244837
Szilagyi PG. Translational research and pediatrics. Acad Pediatr. 2009 Mar-Apr;9(2):71-80. PubMed ID: 19329097