Translation Manchester is part of a Wellcome Trust initiative to overcome barriers to translational research across Greater Manchester by bringing together a network of support, facilities and expertise to make the pathway to translation quicker and easier.

Translational research is the process by which basic scientific research is ‘translated’ into patient focused research, improved patient and population healthcare, and wellbeing.

Successful translational research relies on collaborations and multidisciplinary working. With appropriate support, successful collaborations can progress research along the translational pathway.

We have created a research network to bring an infrastructure together in a central and easily accessible space that will:

• Ensure the translatability of ongoing projects at all stages of the translational pathway
• Forge new and productive connections between academic researchers and the clinical workforce
• Raise awareness of translational research at the University and associated Greater Manchester NHS trusts
• Support investigators to overcome ‘blocks’ to translational research

The programme is managed by colleagues at the University of Manchester who aid investigators with ensuring translatability of ongoing projects, forge new and productive connections between academic researchers and the clinical workforce, deliver training opportunities to upskill researchers and manage two funding schemes that address translational bottlenecks:

The Access to Expertise Award enables investigators to access appropriate expertise to help unblock specific bottlenecks associated with translational research and shift their research to the next phase of translation. Projects of 6-12 months in duration are awarded up to £25,000.

The Projects for Translation Award funds studies that move research projects along the translational pathway. These could be linked to our BRC themes or other key areas of research strength with a clear translational vision. Projects of 6-12 months in duration are awarded up to £55,000.

Both awards are open to the Faculties of Humanities, Science and Engineering, and Biology, Medicine, and Health.