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Which approach does the BIH follow?

The BIH is not a typical research institute. Its innovative approach is to utilize a novel approach of clinically-anchored cross-organ systems medicine in a comprehensive translational ecosystem to significantly increase the speed and effectiveness of medical translation. One of the main reasons for the success it enjoys in translational research is the clinical and scientific environment at the Charité and across Berlin, enabling a high degree of interaction due to the proximity of different partners. The MDC (Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine) is central to the development of technologies and new mechanistic approaches.

Which concept does the BIH follow?

Which concept does the BIH follow?

Chances

At the same time, fundamentally new opportunities are opening up for translational medicine through the digital revolution including new technologies such as: machine learning/artificial intelligence, biomimetic materials, 3D printing, human-on-a-chip, pluripotent stem cells, organoids, genome editing, the dramatically increasing level of detail and speed of molecular analysis (omics: genomics, proteomics, metabolomics), as well as new approaches in diagnostics and therapy development at the cellular level. As an example, Novel Therapies (Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products - ATMP) - a new class of personalized therapeutics at the cellular basis (Living Medicines) - offer new options for more effective translation in the area of academic research.

By which criteria does the BIH measure its success?

As the BIH’s translational approach differs significantly from other basic research institutes, it is essential to develop new criteria for evaluating the success of the BIH that go well beyond the usual indicators, such as impact factors or third-party funding. The success of translational research cannot be measured in terms of the number of individual publications and, as a rule, cannot be assigned purely to individuals. Both specific criteria for translational projects and new evaluation principles for researchers working in translational research must therefore be defined.

By which criteria does the BIH measure its success?

The BIH is a new type of scientific institution. The involvement in the Charité enables the BIH to strive for new standards on a structural level, that ranges from education – such as the promotion of young researchers into new translational career paths - to quality assurance and structural support in the processes of a research hospital in project selection, recruitment, and entrepreneurial support.