Not ‘lost in translation’: navigating design, validation and delivery of novel diagnostic tests into clinical microbiology practice

The study of microbiology means different things to each of us, given the extensive diversity within the microbial world, spanning bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoans, archaea and viruses.Yet, despite the diversity, there are unifying themes and principles that bring microbiologists together.Arguably, it is the depth and breadth of undergraduate microbiology training that unites us, irrespective of our chosen fields, as it enables effective communication between us, despite the complexities in our preferred sub-disciplines.I have spent most of my academic life working in Universities primarily engaged in research and teaching (microbiology and immunology).