Why do we need translational medicine?
The aim of translational medicine is to ensure that the results of scientific research reach patient care and society as quickly and efficiently as possible—so that knowledge becomes a real, tangible benefit.
The challenge: results aren’t reaching practice
One of today’s major problems is that a significant share of scientific discoveries does not translate into everyday medical decision-making. According to Eurostat data from 2016, 1.7 million people under the age of 75 died in Europe, and more than 1.2 million of these deaths would have been avoidable with appropriate prevention or timely public-health interventions.
A European solution: the TM-cycle model
In response to this challenge, Academia Europaea—one of Europe’s largest scholarly networks—launched an international project in 2018 to develop a new, structured approach to bringing scientific results into societal use.
During the project, leading researchers, heads of translational centres, editors of international journals, and communications and university experts developed the TM-cycle—a three-pillar model that renews the relationship between science and healthcare at a systems level:
The three pillars of the TM-cycle
Stimulating relevant research — producing scientific results directly useful for healthcare
Plain-language summarisation — framing scientific information in clear, accessible forms
Targeted communication — effectively delivering results to clinicians, decision-makers, patients, and society at large
The goal: better, fairer, and more sustainable healthcare
This approach can help ensure that science lives not only in publications but also produces real, measurable changes in patient care—making it more effective, accessible, and sustainable.
The significance of the TM cycle and translational medicine has been presented in several scientific publications by Academia Europaea and leading Hungarian researchers, thereby establishing the model's international scientific recognition.