by Hannah Buckelew
The UAB Department of Biomedical Engineering has launched a new graduate certificate in Translation of Biomedical Innovations to Clinical Practice. This non-degree program is now open for enrollment for the upcoming fall semester.  

The Certificate in Translation of Biomedical Innovations to Clinical Practice will provide both non-engineering and engineering graduate students with opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills required to translate basic science toward discoveries and new biomedical technologies into products in the clinical setting. This program will introduce a structured approach to accomplishing clinical translation of biomedical innovations along with knowledge pertaining to entrepreneurial, commercialization and regulatory pathways. Technical electives are intended to familiarize individuals with cutting-edge technologies that form the basis for biomedical parts. Electives are based on individual interest and prior academic preparation.

Program participants will gain an understanding of specific biomedical technologies and learn to identify and describe commercialization concepts, such as value proposition, intellectual property, and FDA regulation. Students will define an unmet clinical need and determine the desired clinical performance necessary to meet this need. Next steps include becoming familiar with innovation and entrepreneurship skills, including customer discovery, market evaluation, regulatory approval, development planning and communication. Ultimately, program participants will design a pathway from ideation to a commercial clinical product.

“Often as biomedical practitioners, we have an idea for a biomedical innovation that we think can make a big impact in improving the quality of life for patients,” says Palaniappan Sethu, Ph.D., Certificate Program Director. “However, the task of navigating the complicated process of accomplishing successful clinical translation is very challenging. This certificate is designed to cover all aspects of this process and provide individuals with a structured approach to accomplishing clinical translation of biomedical innovations along with knowledge pertaining to entrepreneurial, commercialization and regulatory pathways.”

Learn more and apply for the Certificate in Translation of Biomedical Innovations to Clinical Practice here.