The Boston University Clinical and Translational Science (BU-BRIDGE) Institute integrates, connects, and expands research and programs across traditional academic departments and schools. The institute acts as a bridge between disciplines to facilitate interactions by incorporating multiple key programs that support the university-wide commitment to a home for translational research. An NIH-funded clinical and translational science award funds the Institute to build on existing strengths to create an environment linking faculty members, trainees and university programs. The ultimate goal is to speed the translation of innovations in medical science in order to improve maintenance of health and diagnosis and treatment of diseases and share these innovations with other University-based Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSAs). The BU-BRIDGE environment also supports the bi-directional development and translation of ideas that begin in the clinic to the BU scientific community and back to identify new ways to improve health and delivery of health care services. Moreover, the Institute significantly enhances existing partnerships with Boston's community health centers, transforming the conduct of clinical and translational research by infusing it with community-based perspectives and needs.
