Scientific findings from basic laboratory, clinical, or population studies need to be transformed into new clinical tools, processes, or applications which is the function of a rapidly expanding field of science known as ‘‘translational research”. The intent is to build the bridge from ‘‘bench to bedside’’ so that the initial discovery gains acceptance and makes an impact on healthcare practice, policy, and economics at local and national levels. The translation of research findings into practice is a major challenge to health care systems worldwide. This failure, to use new knowledge and evidence, is costly, harmful, and results in ineffective care being delivered to the public.

The Center for Translational Research in Health Care “BRIDGES”, housed within the Department of Nursing at the Cyprus University of Technology, is a first-of-its-kind, innovative model for advancing safe, effective, evidence-based patient and family care. “BRIDGES” sets out to create an infrastructure that inspires partnerships between higher education, healthcare institutions, community care facilities, patient advocacy organizations and industry seeking to accelerate the translation of innovations into clinical practice and to increase patients’ benefit from research.

Maria Kyranou, Assistant Professor at the Department of Nursing, is the Head of “BRIDGES” and initiated its development in September 2020, with financial support by the Cyprus University of Technology. Dr Kyranou is deeply committed to translating scientific findings pertinent to nursing science and collaborating with other parties to implement findings into everyday clinical practice. Her long-term clinical experience along with her involvement in similar projects in pragmatic clinical settings drive her confidence and enthusiasm about “BRIDGES”.

Guiding Principles

“BRIDGES”, the Center for Translational Research in Health Care is committed to:

• Initiating and supporting research that advances safe and effective, evidence-based care.
• Designing strategies to promote the development, use, and translation of evidence into practice.
• Assuming leadership for innovation in evidence-based practice in health care.
• Promoting interdisciplinary team learning, practice and research to optimize safe, effective patient and family care.
• Involving patients and the public in the development and evaluation of individual, group and organizational programs of research.
• Providing leadership for innovations for clinicians, patients and families in learning.
• Fostering an environment of clinical inquiry and experiential learning.
• Developing new collaborative opportunities across disciplines.
• Generating new partnerships and multiple funding opportunities to advance the work of the Center and the University.
• Disseminating the work of the Center/University through multiple local, national, and international bodies.