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Articulating the social responsibilities of translational science

Author

Listed:
  • Elise M. R. Smith

    (University of Texas Medical Branch)

  • Stephen Molldrem

    (University of Texas Medical Branch)

  • Jeffrey S. Farroni

    (University of Texas Medical Branch)

  • Emma Tumilty

    (University of Texas Medical Branch)

Abstract

In recent funding calls, the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences has shifted its focus from “translational research,” which applies to studies in specific therapeutic areas, toward “translational science” interventions which aim to modify the system of translational discovery in the health sciences. To date, the social responsibilities of translational science have not been adequately articulated. In this paper, we argue that the ethical practice of translational science should include explicit social responsibilities that contribute to improved health outcomes and decreased disparities. Articulating social responsibilities specific to translational science is justified based on three of the field’s foundational elements: (1) the social contract regarding public funding of research, (2) the goals of translational science, and (3) the increased risk of direct, indirect, and systemic harms from translational science, which involve system-level changes. We integrate social responsibilities into a framework which prioritizes developing relevant, usable, and sustainable innovations in translational science and provide three illustrative examples to demonstrate the practical application of this framework.

Suggested Citation

  • Elise M. R. Smith & Stephen Molldrem & Jeffrey S. Farroni & Emma Tumilty, 2024. "Articulating the social responsibilities of translational science," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:11:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-023-02597-8
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-023-02597-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Declan Butler, 2008. "Translational research: Crossing the valley of death," Nature, Nature, vol. 453(7197), pages 840-842, June.
    2. Sismondo, Sergio, 2008. "How pharmaceutical industry funding affects trial outcomes: Causal structures and responses," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 66(9), pages 1909-1914, May.
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