How the Academy works
Frequently asked questions
Learn about the Academy, bringing an innovation, research, training, and partnerships.
About the Academy
What is the Academy of Translational Medicine?
The Academy is part of UBC’s Faculty of Medicine. It helps new health discoveries move from the lab to patients faster. It does this by giving expert advice to innovators, researching how health systems make decisions, and training people for jobs in the life sciences.
What does “translational medicine” mean?
It means turning research into real treatments and tools that patients can use. “Translation” is the journey a discovery takes from the lab, through testing and approval, into everyday care.
What are the “valleys of death”?
They are the 2 points where most discoveries get stuck. The first is between the lab and testing in people. The second is between approval and patient access, when a treatment is approved but no one has agreed to pay for it or the health system isn’t ready to use it.
What does “planning backwards” mean?
It means starting with the end goal. Before designing a trial, innovators figure out who will pay for their discovery, what proof regulators and health systems will need, and how to collect that proof. This helps them avoid delays and costly rework later.
Does the Academy only work on cancer?
No. The Academy works across all areas of health, including drugs, medical devices, diagnostic tests, and digital health tools.
Bringing an innovation
Who can bring an innovation to the Academy?
Anyone can submit an innovation. UBC researchers and innovators are given priority.
What stage does my innovation need to be at?
Any stage. You can come to the Academy at any point in your innovation’s journey. Planning backwards works best early, before key decisions about evidence and trials are made.
What kind of help can I get?
The Translational Platform offers support in 4 areas:
- Regulatory strategy: understanding the approval process and what documents you need
- Evidence strategy: planning the research that regulators and payers will want to see
- Implementation strategy: mapping how your innovation will reach patients in the health system
- Strategic asset valuation: understanding your innovation’s value, market, and investment case
How do I get started?
- Fill out the intake form and tell the Academy about your discovery.
- Meet with the Academy to talk through your goals.
- The Academy’s intake group reviews your project and recommends the right support.
- You get access to the platform’s experts and services.
Is there a cost?
It depends on the project. Contact the Academy at translational.medicine@ubc.ca to talk through the options.
How long does it take to hear back?
The intake group meets every 2 months, in February, April, June, August, October, and December. You will hear back within 2 weeks of the meeting after your submission.
Will my information be kept confidential?
If you are affiliated with UBC, your submission is covered by UBC’s confidentiality policies.
If you are not affiliated with UBC, please sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with UBC before you submit the intake form.
Research
What does the Regulatory Science Lab do?
The lab studies how health systems decide which treatments to approve and pay for. It creates the methods and models the Academy uses, tests whether current policies are working, and recommends ways to improve them. Its research focuses on economic valuation, real-world evidence, regulatory evidence and flexibility, and equity and patient preferences.
Can I collaborate with the lab?
Yes. Researchers, health system partners, and policymakers can work with the lab on questions about methods, evidence, data, or policy.
Training
What training does the Academy offer?
Workshops, courses, and micro-credentials in skills the life sciences sector needs. These include UBC’s Regulatory Affairs in the Life Sciences micro-certificate.
What is a micro-credential?
A short, focused course that teaches a specific skill. You get a certificate when you finish. Micro-credentials are flexible and designed for people who are already working.
Who is the training for?
Anyone. The courses suit researchers, innovators, clinicians, policy professionals, students, and anyone who wants to build skills in the life sciences.
Partnerships
Who does the Academy work with?
Partners across government, the health system, industry, research funders, and universities in Canada and around the world. These include Health Canada, Canada’s Drug Agency, INESSS, and BC Cancer.
How can my organization partner with the Academy?
Still have a question?
Contact the Academy at translational.medicine@ubc.ca.