Abstract

Objectives/Goals:

Translational science studies principles governing the translation of health discoveries into health outcomes. To advance this field, translational scientists need to know what expertise to build, and institutions need to know how to support them. Existing models focus on excellent translational research. What makes a translational scientist?

Methods/Study Population:

We use an auto-ethnographic approach to juxtapose the expertise trajectories of two meta-researchers: one grounded in the study of inter- and transdisciplinary practices, and the other leading to translational science. Systematic auto-ethnographic methods will include expertise mapping, conversational engagement, narrative collection, and more. Through individual and partnered reflexivity, these methods surface cultural practices and assumptions invisible to other methods. They also identify key events recognized only through hindsight.

Results/Anticipated Results:

Results will include two expertise trajectories and their comparison. Examples of enacted expertise (e.g., key events) will illustrate the trajectories. This comparison will reveal commonalities and differences between meta-research in translational science and in other fields. The commonalities indicate areas for transferable learning between meta-researchers and those who support them, while the differences indicate complementary contributions and unique needs. The results will illuminate the diverse epistemic, institutional, and personal pathways through which meta-research develops in translational science and allied fields, solidifying from informal practices into professional fields of study.

Discussion/Significance of Impact:

Understanding meta-researcher trajectories is essential for advancing the professionalization of translational science and its expertise, as it enables scholars and institutions to learn from the conditions, methodologies, and infrastructures that sustain reflexive inquiry.