A Practical Approach to Advancing Science from Idea to Patient

Translation medicine is an area that connects fundamental scientific discoveries with real medical solutions to​ new therapies, and innovations would really provide benefits to patients. EATRIS - the European infrastructure for translational medicine - offers a multidimensional teaching experience that combines theory, practical games, and face-to-face and online lessons. This approach helps researchers understand the broadcast process in general and play out essential aspects of the way from the laboratory to the clinic.

From 11 to 14 November, the translational medicine course “EATRIS Translational Medicine Explained (TMex) 2025” took place, during which participants explored contemporary challenges and solutions in translational research both theoretically and practically. The program was designed gradually, using games and situation analysis, allowing for realistic play-out processes and decisions, with which broadcast specialists encounter every day.

Theoretical preparation for a shared foundation

Before face-to-face classes, participants learned a structured e- learning course that provided basic knowledge of translation medical principles, research planning and regulatory framework. This preparation allowed already in the first face-to-face meeting per day to delve into in practical in tasks without spending time on introductory lectures.

From games to real-life translational scenarios

"At the core of the in-person sessions were active scenario simulations and board games that enabled participants to understand translational medicine processes and strategies from the perspectives of various stakeholders – academic researchers, clinicians, industry representatives, and policymakers. One of the first tasks was a board game focused on the development and approval of drug repurposing, in which participants, working in teams, encountered challenges related to scientific potential, legal requirements, and practical implementation.

This approach helped participants not only to understand the stages of translation theoretically, but also to analyse real decision-making scenarios characteristic of both clinical trial planning and the introduction of new products.

Particularly valuable was the opportunity to simulate different situations in a safe environment and to make mistakes without consequences, enabling learning through practice and helping to avoid errors with financial implications in real translational projects."

Patient involvement in the translational process

Significant added value was provided by two patient organisation representatives, who themselves are also patients with different diseases. Their experience allowed them to reveal aspects that professionals often wouldn't see from my own discipline's point of view, and bright showed how essential it is to involve patients in broadcasting the process from the very idea's emergence.

The role of patients in the translation process ensures that research products correspond to real patient needs.

Data management and translation quality

Participants also took part in a dedicated data management game, analysing the role of data quality, accessibility, openness, and security in translational research. This game illuminated how critically important it is to take care of data integrity, because decisions about data directly affect further research progress, result interpretation and translational decision-making.

Business development, commercialisation and translation skills

The TMex course addressed not only scientific aspects, but also provided context for translation, medical project commercialisation and business development, including intellectual property protection, market analysis, partnership creation and investment attraction. These topics are essential for​ scientific discoveries to arrive on the market and for patients.

Course was emphasised during researchers' personal characteristic awareness as how essential prerequisite for their use and effective for interdisciplinary broadcasts in the process.

Innovative concepts and broader understanding

The course also offered in-depth insight into important but less traditionally taught concepts in Latvia, such as compassionate use and named-patient basis – exceptional frameworks for the use of medicines in specific clinical cases. Such knowledge can be valuable in both research and clinical practice, as it enables better navigation of real-world situations where standard regulatory pathways may not be the only options.

Participant experience confirms that the teaching methods used in the course – practical games, scenario analysis, and interdisciplinary dialogue – are effective tools for gaining a deep understanding of the dynamics of the translational process. Adapting and implementing this approach within the Latvian research environment would be highly beneficial, as it allows realistic challenges to be explored in a safe, controlled format and potential risks to be identified before they affect real projects. Practical simulations promote the ability to make mistakes without financial consequences, thereby strengthening readiness for work in interdisciplinary translational projects.

Such methods improve understanding of the stages of translational medicine, foster more effective collaboration between science, clinical practice, patient organisations, and industry, and help develop the skills required in today’s innovation-driven environment.

The TMex programme is particularly well suited for doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, and medical students who wish to understand the full translational pathway – from an idea in the laboratory to a solution for the patient – and to develop both the professional and personal competencies needed for work in translational medicine.

Participation was provided within the framework of the project “RSU participation in the Horizon Europe programme” (No. 1.1.1.5/3/25/I/014)."

* project No. 1.1.1.5/3/25/I/014