The Challenge of Translational Research
An experiential summer school
7, 8, 9 July 2015 – King’s College London
What is the Challenge of Translational Research Summer School and who is it for?
With a focus on experiential learning, the course will include lectures and interactive seminars given
by leading academics, scientists and consultants, along with visits to translational and clinical research
facilities and a service design workshop. It will provide social scientists with tools to disturb this
challenging paradigm and to produce a platform for PhD students and early career researchers to
network with others working in the field.
This three-day course is designed to inform, challenge and provoke consideration and engagement
with the social, cultural, organisational and structural issues pertaining to the concept of ‘translational
research’.
Translational Research aims to improve ‘the diffusion of knowledge from basic science into the clinic’
(Martin et al 2008). However the slow rate at which innovations in bioscience are implemented into
practice is an ongoing matter of concern for science, policy makers and funders. By engaging with the
‘challenge’ of Translational Research this novel Summer School will provoke consideration and
understanding of the social, cultural, organisational and structural issues that frame the concept.
We take a broad understanding of the term ‘translational research’ and invite applications from PhD
students and early career researchers who are either exploring this subject in relation to:
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research at the ‘bench to bedside’ interface whereby knowledge from the basic
sciences is harnessed to produce new devices and treatments for patients (sometimes
described as T1, see Woolf 2008) –
and/or those exploring the implementation and translation of research into practice
- ensuring that new treatments and research knowledge actually reach the patients
or populations for whom they are intended (sometimes described as T2, see Woolf
2008).
Hosted by the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and
King’s College London, The King’s Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Centre, The
Citizen Engagement in Research and Implementation group (CERI) and The Division of Health and
Social Care Research, King’s College London.
Course dates and venue:
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Tuesday 7 July 2015 - Thursday 9 July 2015: 10 am to 5 pm on the 7th, 10 am to 7 pm on the
8th and 10 am to 5 pm on the 9th
NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s
College London, 16th Floor, Tower Wing, Guy’s Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT
Course organisers:
Dr Nina Fudge, Research Fellow Social Science of Translation, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London, Department of Primary Care
& Public Health Sciences, King’s College London
Dr Jean Harrington, Visiting Research Fellow, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy’s and St
Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London, Department of Primary Care & Public
Health Sciences, King’s College London
Professor Christopher McKevitt, Professor of Social Sciences & Health, Division of Health & Social
Care Research, King’s College London
Course Costs and Application Process:
Supported by The King’s Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Centre we are delighted to
be able to provide full bursary coverage for this Summer School, including meals and refreshments for
students able to establish an interest and engagement with the issues of Translational Research.
However, once booked non-attendance will incur the full costs of £180.00 which will be charged to
the student’s University/Institituion.
The summer school is also supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical
Research Centre based at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London.
Contact jean.harrington@kcl.ac.uk with any questions, or for further information and updates please
follow our summer school blog http://translationalresearchsummerschool.wordpress.com/
As numbers are limited places will be awarded on a ‘first-come’ basis. Students wishing to take part
should fill in the following Application Form and return to Jean Harrington as soon as possible,
jean.harrington@kcl.ac.uk. The deadline for applications is 5 pm on Sunday 21st June 2015.
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Full Name
Institution
Title of doctoral study
Stage in process (early, mid, late
stage)
Please state if you are registered
full time/ part time
Please provide a short description
of your topic, including research
question and methodology (max
150 words)
Please state how you would
benefit from participating in this
workshop and what you may be
able to contribute (150 words)
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Would you be willing to write
about your experiences of
attending the summer school on
our blog?
Statement of support from
supervisor (max 100 words to
include confirmation that the full
cost of £180 will be born in the
case of non-attendance)
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