The Department of Translational Neuroscience - Translational Science and Molecular Medicine - College of Human Medicine - Michigan State University

The Department of Translational Neuroscience (TransNeuro) a research-intensive unit in the College of Human Medicine at MSU. In November of 2017, TransNeuro relocated to the new state-of-the-art Grand Rapids Research Center at Monroe Ave and Michigan St. in Grand Rapids. TransNeuro is part of the expansion of the College of Human Medicine into the Grand Rapids Metropolitan Area.

Feel free to look around and learn more about our faculty and the research that we conduct.

Unlike basic biomedical research which is concerned with understanding the essential function of biologic processes, translational research applies basic science findings with the intent of moving them from the laboratory to the clinic.   Translational research focuses on the development of treatment strategies for patients including new drugs, devices and therapies. Translational research is the “middle-man” in a continuous cycle between basic scientists and physicians.  For example, translational researchers can provide clinicians with novel tools to use in the clinic, whereas clinicians often make observations about their patient’s disease that guides the research focus of translational researchers. Knowledge gained through translational research is referred to as translational science. The overall goal of translational science is to efficiently and swiftly tackle complex health challenges and deliver therapeutic treatments to clinicians and their patients. To accomplish this goal, translational science employs multidisciplinary collaborations of many different investigators, each with specialized skills to address the particular problem at hand. The ultimate goal of translational science is to translate science into better health.

Research

The Department of Translational Neuroscience (TransNeuro) acts as a catalyst for enhancing bidirectional opportunities for clinical, basic and translational research in neurodegenerative diseases. TransNeuro provides the physical infrastructure and intellectual assets to conduct preclinical and translational medical research in collaboration with clinical and basic science faculty throughout MSU, as well as with our strategic medical health partners in Grand Rapids (Van Andel Institute, Mercy Health Saint Mary's and Spectrum Hospital). We are also dedicated to providing educational and training opportunities to basic scientists and physician-scientists committed to disease-oriented research. TransNeuro’s research teams primarily focus on the study of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and Traumatic Brain Injury.

Education

TransNeuro offers specialized seminars through the College of Human Medicine within the broad discipline of Neuroscience.  Course offerings change by year, cover specific topics associated with TransNeuro research priorities and typically include basic, preclinical and translational neuroscience. TransNeuro focuses on training the next generation of research scientists (pre and postdoctoral) while also exposing trainees to alternative career paths and opportunities outside of bench research.