Traditionally, scientific research has been categorised as either fundamental or applied. Fundamental research is driven by scientific curiosity and does not necessarily have any obvious practical value, whereas applied research is designed to solve practical problems rather than to acquire knowledge for its own sake. Fundamental and applied researchers therefore occupy different worlds, possess distinct cultures and have different drivers. In the medical domain, this makes it difficult to translate fundamental research results into practical applications that enhance human health and well-being. To help bridge this gap, the concept of translational (or bench-to-bedside) research was proposed in 1968 and has led to the concept of translational medicines research