We endeavour to enable research progression across all stages of translation, from early concept towards adoption of clinical practice and successful commercialisation.
The Translational Research Team (TRT), supported by the Wellcome Institutional Translational Partnership Award (Wellcome iTPA), is creating a shift in the translational research culture at the University of Birmingham.
The University of Birmingham takes pride in a truly translational pipeline and, together with its associated Birmingham Health Partners (BHP), namely Birmingham Women & Children’s and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trusts, sit at the heart of the new Birmingham Health Innovation Campus. By working together, the University has the expertise and infrastructure to deliver the full cycle of translational medicine: from strong, cross-disciplinary fundamental and pre-clinical research to cutting-edge clinical trials and patient studies leading to improvements in human health.
The TRT aim to raise the profile of the translational portfolio at the University and its associated BHP by supporting researchers in their efforts in translating ground-breaking discovery research findings into practical improvements in human health across the Colleges of Medical & Dental Sciences (MDS), Life and Environmental Sciences (LES) and Engineering & Physical Sciences (EPS).
Clinical adoption of novel therapies and medical technologies requires strategic planning and effective decision making for successful delivery. The TRT supports researchers to identify the translational potential of their fundamental research findings and in the development of a translational strategy to increase potential impact, through external translational funding and / or industry investment. By working closely with Business Engagement, UoB Enterprise and Research Support Services and our NHS partners we holistically support research translation by providing a co-ordinated set of complementary interventions to enable access to, and progression along, the translational pathway. This includes:
- Helping to identify and overcome the hurdles in advancing your research along the translational pathway;
- Facilitating new collaborations between our academic and clinical colleagues as well as industry;
- Setting up bespoke translational steering groups to guide research development;
- Facilitating access to external expertise. In addition to our Expert in Residence, David Fox, we have developed a portfolio of ex-industry external experts who can advise on all areas of research from early drug discovery and biologic therapeutics to medical devices and regulatory affairs.
- Supporting the development of competitive translational bids, including structuring milestones, producing Gantt charts and assisting with writing IP sections to both internal and external translational funding schemes;
- Providing professional post-award project management. Most translational research grants require an appropriate project management system to be established for the effective delivery of the proposal objectives.
Please contact us if you would like to discuss how we can support your research. If you are new to the TRT, we ask that you complete this New Enquiries Form, so we may best direct you to the most suitable member of the Team.