title: Translational research in kidney transplantation and the role of patient engagement.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Translational research is an evolving discipline that is intended to bridge the gaps between basic science research, clinical research, and implementation in clinical practice. It is a fluid, multidirectional process that requires strong interdisciplinary collaboration to produce research that is relevant to end-users.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This review summarizes current perspectives on translational research and outlines its relevance and importance to kidney transplantation research.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sources of information used for this review include published reports, articles, and research funding websites.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Tissue typing is used as an in-depth example of how translational research has been applied in the field of kidney transplant medicine, and how it has resulted in successful implementation of diagnostic and management options for sensitized individuals undergoing kidney transplantation. The value of actively involving kidney transplant stakeholders (patients, caregivers, and clinicians) in setting research priorities and determining relevant outcomes for future investigation is also discussed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is a narrative review of the literature which has been partly influenced by the perspectives and experiences of its authors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Translational and patient-oriented research practices should be incorporated into future research endeavours in the field of kidney transplantation in order to create beneficial change in clinical practice and improve patient outcomes.
  Translational research which engages patients in the investigative process can enhance the likelihood that medical discoveries will have a meaningful impact at the bedside.
  This article applies current perspectives on translational research and patient engagement to the field of kidney transplantation, illustrating how these approaches have led to significant advancements in the field. It provides further justification for deliberate, targeted efforts to cross-collaborate and incorporate the patient voice into kidney transplant research.
authors.affiliation: Division of Nephrology, University Health Network, Toronto ON, Canada and the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada.
authors.forename: Janine F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Farragher
authors.affiliation: Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON Canada.
authors.forename: Meghan J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Elliott
authors.affiliation: Division of Nephrology, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada.
authors.forename: Samuel A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Silver
authors.affiliation: Department of Laboratory Medicine and the Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: Zsuzsanna
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Lichner
authors.affiliation: Division of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Clinical Epidemiology Program and the University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8 L1 Canada.
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tsampalieros