The Translational Research Institute (TRI) is a unique, Australian-first initiative of ‘bench to bedside’ medical research. TRI combines clinical and translational research to advance progress from laboratory discovery to application in the community. The concept of a major research institute on this site arose from the thinking of notable Queensland clinicians including Professor Bryan Emmerson a
nd Dr John Golledge, and the vision was conceived and brought to fruition by the clinicians and scientists of the four institutions who were its founding partners; The University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, Mater Medical Research Institute and Queensland Health. Translational Research – Our Work
Translational Research aims to convert scientific innovations into health gains. It involves a multidisciplinary approach, early involvement with a commercial partner and a focus on positive outcomes for patients, the community and world health. The work conducted at TRI is translational research, a research process which involves teams of patients, clinicians and researchers working together to solve health challenges faster. The work is driven by the needs of patients, a question formed by a clinician and a solution sought by a scientist. While traditionally, clinicians and researchers worked separately, this improved method ensures patient needs are priority and that teams share knowledge which multiplies with every collaboration. These teams also create a feedback loop which is essential to the translational pathway. With the clinician and scientist working side by side with the patient, results are obvious immediately rather than via long reports which take time to read and interpret. Several translational research projects are underway at TRI, including the Gardasil HPV Vaccine, Spectroscopy for high risk breast cancer, and Theranostic Development for Prostate Cancer.
