T^x™: An Approach and Philosophy to
Advance Translation to Transformation

Background

"T" represents the research continuum. Basic science research, T_⁰, increases our fundamental knowledge on the nature of living things and often informs clinical research or trials among humans, or T_¹ translation. T_² translation is the application of research findings to patients with practice implications. T_³ research is associated with but not limited to adoption of interventions into routine patient care and may include health services- or community-based participatory research. T_⁴ is population-based studies that include lifestyle and behavioral modifications strategies.

The translation of scientific discovery into gains in health can be sluggish, often uncertain and/or uneven across the populations and not optimally facilitated by traditional siloed categories along the translational (T^_0-5) continuum.  

We can do better. We will do better. We need more research and improved ways to adopt research discoveries to improve the health of populations. This will require a multiplicity of disciplines, perspectives, and interdisciplinary scientists (from biomedical, sociocultural and behavioral) in collaboration characterized by focused communication and iterative interaction. This ideally would allow discovery and the advancement gained in any phase of the "T" continuum to inform and enhance other phases of research or implementation.

 

What is T^x™?

Coined at Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM), T^x TM symbolizes an approach and scientific philosophy that intentionally promotes and supports convergence of interdisciplinary approaches and scientists to stimulate exponential advances for the health of diverse communities.

The “T” of the trademark acknowledges the importance of the phases of the translational continuum. However, the exponent "x" represents the goal to move research from the Translational to the Transformational.

How? By intentionally

• Engaging diverse disciplines and perspectives early in the process of identifying/framing the problem or opportunity and
• Bringing to bear different repositories of knowledge, skill and lived experience, T^x intends to gain richer, more effective solutions.

Therefore, MSM T^x is a comprehensive approach and philosophy, that advances the science, practice and evaluation of improving health outcomes. It addresses disparities by simultaneously engaging multiple disciplines as it recognizes the multiple layers and dimensions of complex health problems.

The aim of T^x is the advancement of health equity, which is the cornerstone of Morehouse School of Medicine's vision.

• What is T^{x TM} Scholarship? > 

• T^{x TM} Trademark Information > 

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References

1. Khoury MJ, et al. The continuum of translation research in genomic medicine: how can we accelerate the appropriate integration of human genomic discoveries into health care and disease prevention? Genet Med 2007:9(10):665-674. https://www.iths.org/investigators/definitions/translational-research/
2. Harvard Catalyst. (n.d), Pathfinder. Retrieved from http://catalyst.harvard.edu/pathfinder/
3. National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (2015, April) Translational Science Spectrum. Retrieved from https://ncats.nih.gov/translation/spectrum
4. National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (2015, April) Translational Science Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://ncats.nih.gov/files/translation-factsheet.pdf