Programs focused on translational research indicate that a substantial amount of preclinical knowledge (or medical scientific knowledge) is ready to be translated into new treatments. Over de past decades we have gained insight in numerous processes occuring in the human body. Unfortunately, sofar only a minor part of this knowledge finds its way to clinical applications. ZonMw has made it its goal to bridge the gap between theory and practice by stimulating the translation of preclinical knowledge into the development of new therapies.
Translational research is the necessary translation of promising results from fundamental scientific research into application in the clinic. Translational research allows this translation to swiftly take place in a safe and responsible manner, therey enabling patients to benefit as quickly as possible from the latest scientific developments.