NIH Definitions

Clinical Research

Research conducted with human subjects (or on material of human origin such as tissues, specimens and cognitive phenomena) for which an investigator (or colleague) directly interacts with human subjects. Excluded from this definition are in vitro studies that utilize human tissues that cannot be linked to a living individual. Patient-oriented research includes: (a) mechanisms of human disease, (b) therapeutic interventions, (c) clinical trials, and (d) development of new technologies.
—NIH Definition of Clinical Research

Translational Research

Translational research transforms scientific discoveries arising from laboratory, clinical or population studies into clinical or population-based applications to improve health by reducing disease incidence, morbidity and mortality.
—Modified from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Translational Research Working Group (2006)