Translational Research
A Translational Research Center with a Vision to Transform Research into Reality
The Center on Education and Training for Employment’s (CETE) approach to translational research focuses on the goal of solving societal problems. These are solved through the implementation of an evidence-based intervention that informs policy development, which results in the widespread use of proven practices (Julian et al., 2021).
At CETE, we define translational research as the deliberate process for translating scientific knowledge and practical experience into interventions that produce desired outcomes in communities, schools, and other organizations. Translational research consists of three primary subprocesses:
- Scientific investigation with the aim of producing new knowledge and insights
- Implementation for the purpose of resolving issues in a specific setting or context
- Policy support to promote the widespread adoption of evidence-based practices or best practices
The process of scientific investigation to produce new knowledge and insights includes:
- Identify/formulate opportunity
- Review relevant literature
- Set objectives/hypotheses
- Develop a research design
- Determine sample design
- Collete data
- Process and analyze data
- Interpret and disseminate findings
The process of implementation for the purpose of resolving issues in a specific setting or context consists of:
- Identify opportunity
- Construct decision criteria
- Generate alternative solutions
- Evaluate and select the best alternative
- Implement solution
- Evaluate the impact of the solution
The process of policy support to promote the widespread adoption of evidence-based practices or best practices encompasses:
- Identify opportunity
- Convene interested parties
- Review literature and consult experts
- Develop policy recommendations and guidance
- Evaluate the impact of implementing the recommendations
In sum, translational research consists of scientific investigation, implementation, and policy support, all of which are supported by an array of critical administrative functions.