Overview

Moving discoveries from the lab into practical application presents complex problems that can’t be solved alone. The interdependent efforts of collaborators from varied disciplines, known as “team science,” is thus a fundamental characteristic of clinical and translational research.

It is increasingly apparent that translational research’s impact can be enhanced when these teams also include individuals outside academic research communities, such as patients, caregivers, clinicians, industry partners, policy makers, and other relevant healthcare stakeholders. We use the term “broadly engaged team science” to denote the participation of such stakeholders. Their meaningful involvement can bring into focus the needs of patient communities and critical considerations for practice, improving the relevance of research questions, the efficiency of study processes, and the uptake of results.

Our Work to Support Broadly Engaged Team Science

Tufts CTSI believes a broadly engaged team science approach strengthens translational efforts at all points in the research process, from topic selection through study design and conduct, to dissemination of findings.

Our commitment to promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration and engagement with a broad array of stakeholders in all areas of health research includes:

  • Providing consulting and facilitation services and connections to collaborators and community partners
  • Developing educational resources for investigators and community groups
  • Hosting collaboration-focused events
  • Contributing research and scholarship on engagement

To learn more about our support for research collaboration and engagement, please visit our program pages:

For further conceptual background and practical guidance, see the book, Broadly Engaged Team Science in Clinical and Translational Research, and resource guide (PDF) developed by our faculty.

To discuss how we can help your project, please submit a service request.