As diagnostic microbiologist we all understand how fundamental accurate diagnosis is to the prevention and management of infectious diseases. But making an accurate diagnosis is a tool to be used in the much larger aim of improving health outcomes. To contribute to that effectively we certainly need the best tests. However we also need to ensure that the information they generate is meaningful, useful and usable. That means thinking about whether our information is generated and delivered in a way that will inform clinical or public health practice; whether we can add further value to what we do; whether there are new tests or technologies that will do it better; and what other information needs to be accessed.
In this presentation, I will use some examples of our translational approach to research, which has been planned to impact on practice and/or policy. It requires involvement in forward thinking, participation in strategic planning, being constructively self-critical, and looking for ways of measuring the effectiveness. Inevitably it is best achieved though complementary collaborations.
The prize is improving human health and the process is all about the people!