Strengthening translational medical research in Ireland: an interdisciplinary framework for clinician–scientist collaboration

BACKGROUND: Translational medical research depends on effective collaboration between clinicians and scientists, yet structural, cultural, and funding barriers continue to limit integration. Interdisciplinary communication between these groups remains inconsistent across settings, and challenges in sustaining the clinician-scientist workforce have been increasingly recognised. We outline the case for a National Ecosystem for Discovery (NED) as a potential framework to strengthen collaboration in Ireland while remaining aligned with international research systems. METHODS: This perspective draws on the science of team science, clinician-scientist workforce literature, and existing biomedical research funding models to consider a realistic and phased approach to improving interdisciplinary collaboration. RESULTS: Ireland participates in a range of international biomedical research programmes, including European Union initiatives and all-island training structures such as the Wellcome-HRB ICAT programme. A NED could build on these existing foundations through pilot collaborative hubs, improved interdisciplinary communication, and greater alignment across funding bodies, rather than through the creation of entirely new structures. CONCLUSIONS: Strengthening translational medical research in Ireland may depend on improving coordination across existing systems, supporting the clinician-scientist workforce, and enabling sustainable interdisciplinary collaboration. A phased and pragmatic approach may allow such a framework to develop while preserving the diversity of research practices that underpin innovation.