The foundation of translational medicine lies in the ability to translate scientific discoveries into real-world applications. Despite continuous medical advancements, EUROSTAT data reveals that 1.7 million people die annually in Europe, with 1.2 million of these deaths being preventable through better primary prevention and public health interventions. A key barrier to achieving sustainable health is the gap between research and clinical practice, which stems from outdated educational models in both medicine and science (1).
Academia Europaea has introduced a translational cycle model to facilitate the effective integration of scientific knowledge into healthcare (2). This model emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that fosters medical innovation while ensuring that healthcare professionals remain up to date with the latest research. However, current medical education focuses heavily on theoretical knowledge and bedside practice, offering minimal training on how to interpret and apply scientific findings in clinical settings. Similarly, traditional research training often lacks a focus on real-world impact, slowing the translation of discoveries into tangible health benefits.
To address this challenge, we have developed a hybrid Ph.D./healthcare TM program that enables students to engage in scientific research and clinical practice simultaneously. Through a "learning by doing" and "retaining by teaching" approach, students acquire essential skills in critical appraisal, communication, and research methodology, ensuring that they not only consume but actively contribute to medical advancements (3). This model enhances their ability to produce high-impact, clinically relevant research while equipping them with the expertise needed to integrate new knowledge into practice.
For healthcare to achieve true sustainability, medical and scientific education must evolve. Embedding translational medicine principles into training programs will bridge the gap between scientific discovery and clinical application, ultimately improving patient outcomes and strengthening healthcare systems. To drive this transformation, Academia Europaea is committed to fostering global collaboration with academic and healthcare institutions. In line with this vision, the Translational European-Asian Network (TEA-NET) was established in January 2023 by Academia Europaea and The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Its primary mission is to enhance collaboration between Europe and Asia in translational medicine, aligning research efforts and supporting high-quality educational and scientific initiatives across both regions.
