Description
The presentation by Xavier Griffin addresses the engagement of clinicians and clinical academics in basic science research, particularly in the context of translational research and hospital systems. He begins by acknowledging the kind invitation to speak and quickly asserts that the Royal London Hospital is superior to other hospitals mentioned. He expresses a desire to bridge the gap between clinical practice and research, particularly in basic sciences, noting that many clinicians may feel disconnected from these scientific communities.
Griffin emphasizes the falling proportion of Nobel Laureates with medical backgrounds in contrast to their non-medical counterparts and suggests that the overshadowing of medical sciences is contributing to this discrepancy. He argues for the need to leverage available funding opportunities and collaborative efforts within the scientific community to foster better integration of clinical and basic science.
He introduces two approaches to research: hypothesis-driven, which follows the classical scientific method, and a second approach focused on constructing systems capable of addressing unformed hypotheses. He stresses the importance of systems thinking to allow rapid responses to emerging scientific discoveries, suggesting that current methodologies are often slow and lead to inefficiencies.
Griffin discusses the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and highlights its funding capabilities and resources for clinical research. He cites impressive figures from previous fiscal years, illustrating the scale of funding and number of projects in musculoskeletal research, urging participation from more basic scientists in these avenues. He also touches on the WHiTE platform, a system designed to streamline research processes and participant recruitment.
The crux of Griffin's message is that through collaboration and the building of networks, particularly at local levels, researchers can enhance their impact and accelerate the discovery and application of treatments. He makes a passionate case for utilizing existing healthcare structures and systems to tap into untapped opportunities in clinical and research collaboration, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes.