Lost in translation--basic science in the era of translational research

Abstract

The concept of translational research, which aims to facilitate the application of basic scientific discoveries in clinical and community settings, is currently in vogue. While there are powerful forces driving this trend, support for translational research must be accompanied by a robust investment in basic science, which provides the essential raw material for translation and continues to represent humanity's best hope to meet a wide range of public health challenges.

FIG. 1.

U.S. research and development spending as a percentage of the Gross Domestic Product, 1953 to 2006. Reprinted from the Congressional Budget Office website (http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/91xx/doc9135/AppendixA.4.1.shtml).

FIG. 2.

(A) R01-equivalent grants as a percentage of all research grants and research funding. The graph was created from data available in the National Institutes of Health data book (http://www.report.nih.gov/nihdatabook/Charts/SlideGen.aspx?chartId=32&catId=2 and http://www.report.nih.gov/nihdatabook/Charts/SlideGen.aspx?chartId=33&catId=2). (B) Outcome of new unsolicited R01-equivalent research grant applications. The graph was created from data reported in reference .