Frequently Asked Questions

What is Translational Research?

Translational research is driven primarily by considerations of use and practical applications of the research results, as opposed to basic research, which is driven primarily by a quest for knowledge. Translational research must develop a practical solution that addresses a particular clinical problem or unmet clinical need. Because translational research involves clinical application as a goal, it requires a transition (a translation) of the research from the laboratory to the clinic (“bench to bedside”). Translational research involves commercialization activities, and therefore requires a transition (a translation) of the technology (technology transfer) from the academic institution to a commercial entity for final product development, manufacturing and sales. Translational research results generally include protectable intellectual property.

What about Intellectual Property?

The policy of the Coulter Foundation is that the entire right, title and interest to any invention or discovery and which is conceived or first actually reduced to practice in the course of performance under a grant from the Foundation, shall be assigned to and retained by the institution receiving the grant, unless the institution is proscribed from doing so by Federal laws or regulations. If the institution decides not to patent or otherwise develop the invention or discovery, the inventor(s) shall be free to patent or otherwise develop the invention subject to any rights that the institution may retain under its patent policy.

How to Cite The Grant

"Funding provided by the Duke-Coulter Translational Research Partnership Program. The program supports collaborative research projects that address unmet clinical needs and lead to improvements in health care and to commercial products. Details at: bme.duke.edu/coulter"