Translational Research Committee
Why Translational Research
Translational research takes scientific discoveries made in the laboratory, clinic or field and translates them into new treatments and approaches that improve population health. Basic and applied research is leading the way in developing new diagnostic and treatment modalities. Up till now, many of the treatments and approaches to wound care are not based on fundamental knowledge of the wounds to which they are applied. Also, increasing understanding of wound healing mechanisms and the specifics of each wound type or stage of healing has not been accompanied by corresponding advances in new diagnostic and treatment technologies. This suggests that the process of translating research findings into clinical interventions - translation - needs to change.
Translational Research covers two areas:
Applying new findings from preclinical studies to clinical trials leading to new technologies and treatments.
Developing current evidence and cost-effectiveness data on available treatment strategies to help identifying and select the best products and procedures.
EWMA believes that translational research promotes the multidirectional and multidisciplinary integration of basic, applied, patient-oriented, and population-based research, with the long-term goal of improving population health.
Vision
EWMA's vision is to accelerate translational research by bringing together all stakeholders involved in wound care, including academics, researchers, policy makers, clinicians, caregivers, and industry leaders, to shorten the time it takes for a new product to be available to patients. In addition, identifying unmet clinical needs and linking basic/applied research and clinical practice will ultimately support the development of new technologies and better therapeutic options.
Objectives
To act as a platform for discussion between laboratory, clinical, researchers, industry, policy makers and patients and to accelerate dialogue on new wound therapies based on science and with the patient in mind;
To stimulate networking among those involved in wound care and to encourage participation and consultation of an interdisciplinary team in the development and testing of new ideas/projects/technologies at an early stage.
To make recommendations for the evaluation of health technologies at various levels and report of the results, contributing to the implementation of standardization, consensus, and guidelines.
To work with regulatory agencies to raise awareness of challenges related to the development of wound care products and existing testing methods and protocols.
To work with EU policy makers to highlight the need for further investment in wound care research and help redefine the research roadmap.
Members of the committee
- Alexandra Marques (Chair)
- Dimitri Beeckman
- Andrea Pokorná
- Luc Téot
- Ewa Stürmer