Transdisciplinary Translational Science for Youth Health and Wellness: Introduction to a Special Issue

Abstract Background Transdisciplinary translational science applies interdisciplinary approaches to the generation of novel concepts, theories and methods involving collaborations among academic non-academic partners, in order advance translation into broader community practice. Objective This paper introduces a special issue on transdisciplinary for youth health wellness. We provide an overview relevant research paradigms, share related goals Iowa State University Translational Research Network (U-TuRN), introduce specific papers issue. Method Authors were asked submit empirical reports, programmatic reviews or policy-related that examined issues from perspective. Results The included this each involve direct fully-integrated community-university partnerships between partners scholarship research. Reports emphasize value applied nature work with agenda driven primarily by real-world social needs. Conclusions There is growing acceptance need transdisciplinary, collaborative as means meet both requirements posed problems well advancing scientific knowledge innovation. In issue, readers will find show promise rethinking existing conceptual frameworks incorporate catalyst addressing questions field children care.