Translational Science in Medicine: Putting the Pieces Together: Biomarkers, Early Human Trials, Networking, and Translatability Assessment

The aim of this chapter is to integrate the main aspects constituting translational science in medicine that are described in detail in the preceding chapters. Four major tasks of a novel science are defined and established as the cornerstones of the emerging systematics: biomarkers, early clinical trials, translational planning and networking, and translatability assessment. The translational planning and networking theme is introduced into the concept here as a central prerequisite of translational success. Possible models of collaboration are detailed for the major players in the translational plot, mainly those from academia and the pharma industry. The chapter also defines and specifies the essential integrating role of a chair or institute for translational medicine and underlines the key role of translational plans as living documents updated at all milestone achievements.