Clinical research aims to advance medical knowledge by studying human biology and disease, either through direct interaction with people or through the collection and analysis of blood, tissues, imaging or other samples. Clinical research can include studies of mechanisms of human disease, physiology, or therapeutic interventions. Early phase translational research (T1) research typically tests findings from basic research for clinical applicability or effect and should be included here. T2 research tests new interventions in controlled environments (efficacy studies, phase II and phase Ill clinical trials).

Population Research includes Epidemiology, Heath Services Research and Implementation and Dissemination Research. Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states and events in specified populations, with determinants including mechanistic and imaging studies, and the application of this study to the control of public health problems including individual, system and environmental interventions. Health Services Research studies how social factors, financing systems, organizational structures and processes, health technologies, and personal behaviors affect access to and use of health care, the quality and cost of health care, and ultimately health outcomes. Implementation and dissemination research includes pragmatic trials in real life settings. Translational research described as T3 or T4 would be included here. T3 tests how interventions work in real-world settings (effectiveness trials, phase IV clinical trials, implementation studies). T4 studies factors and interventions that influence population health.