Translational Research: the performance of the National Institutes of Science and Technology in the field of health

ABSTRACT The National Institutes of Science and Technology Program was created to promote excellence in science and technology activities and their internationalization, foster their interaction with the business system, improve scientific education and the homogeneous participation of the regions of the Country in the production of knowledge. Translational medicine comprises accelerating the transmission of knowledge from basic research to clinical application, deepening clinical observations and applying this knowledge to the general population. This article aimed to identify and analyze the contributions of the National Science and Technology Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-Health) in meeting the demands of Brazilian health, based on the concept of Translational Research. A qualitative, exploratory and descriptive research of the activities developed by INCT-Health was carried out. The 39 INCT-Health have contributed to the improvement of Brazilian health through the transfer of direct knowledge and the formulation/implementation of Public Health Policies. The INCT-Health has potential to meet the demand of the Brazilian population, in the health area, and have stood out in the interaction with companies and in the creation of startups. However, it is necessary to disseminate the results achieved by INCT-Health, as well as the elaboration and application of a methodology for monitoring and evaluation of Science, Technology and Innovation in Brazil.