Welcome to the
AoPGBI
The Association of Physicians of GB and Ireland is the home of Interdisciplinary Translational Medicine hosting a vibrant community of researchers at all career stages.
Our aim is to promote high quality interdisciplinary translational research to improve human health and well being.
At AOPGBI, we are driven by three core principles: Engage, Develop, and Share.
We believe in Engaging with our diverse community to foster collaboration across disciplines, sparking innovation and discovery. We are committed to Developing knowledge, skills, and opportunities that empower professionals from all fields to excel in interdisciplinary research.
And we dedicate ourselves to Sharing insights and expertise that bridge gaps between disciplines, advancing clinical practice. These principles define who we are and guide every action we take as we strive to shape the future of interdisciplinary research.
Engage
“To raise the profile of interdisciplinary translational research in the scientific and public communities, nationally and internationally”
Challenges and barriers faced in interdisciplinary translational medicine research
While interdisciplinary collaboration holds great promise, it is not without its challenges and barriers. Overcoming these hurdles is essential to foster effective collaboration and drive scientific advancements.
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Communication:
Effective communication is crucial in interdisciplinary collaborations. However, different disciplines often have their own jargon, methodologies, and ways of thinking. Bridging these communication gaps requires clear and open dialogue, active listening, and the ability to translate complex concepts into understandable language for all team members.
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Funding:
Funding for interdisciplinary translational medicine research can be a challenge. Traditional funding sources may favour single-discipline research, making it difficult for interdisciplinary projects to secure adequate resources. However, recognizing the value of interdisciplinary collaborations, funding agencies and organizations are increasingly providing grants and support for these types of projects.
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Cultural Differences:
Interdisciplinary collaborations often involve individuals from different academic and professional cultures. These cultural differences can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or conflicts. Building a shared understanding and encouraging a culture of respect and collaboration is essential to overcome these challenges.
By addressing these challenges head-on and implementing strategies to strengthen effective collaboration, researchers can unlock the full potential of interdisciplinary translational medicine research. The AoPGBI support our Members to alleviate some of these challenges, we:
Engage the wider community through our APAM, our annual meeting Develop Emerging Clinical Researchers through potential funding and Share knowledge through our Membership support initiatives.
Develop the careers of translational researchers: Supporting personal and professional progress
To support the development of translational researchers working for the benefit of patients with an emphasis on the needs of Emerging Clinical Researchers”, and we do this through a range of grant and awards. We also recognise the astonishing work done by members of the medical profession with our Outstanding Contribution to Translational Medicine Award.
Share ideas and knowledge: Creating relationships that support those within the community to contribute to research developments
“To promote the exchange of ideas and knowledge between researchers from different professional disciplines to create a vibrant, diverse, interdisciplinary translational research community”. We strongly believe in the benefit of bringing people together and in 2025 we will be hosting our Annual Meeting at the Royal College of Physicians of London. Programme and speakers to be announced in the coming weeks here.
Each year, we welcome the greatest minds in translational medicine to our Annual Meeting (APAM), to share ideas, nurture connections and pursue the very-real potential of life changing breakthroughs; and 2025 will be no different!
Membership
We are striving to be modern and inclusive whilst retaining our scientific excellence. As such we membership of the Association is open to all: clinicians, Emerging Clinical Researchers (ECRs); industry affiliates and fellows.
There are many opportunities for you to engage as a member, from participation in our annual meeting to roles on the Executive Committee. We want to listen to your voice, and we would be more than happy to discuss opportunities with you.