Research Continuum
Knowledge is at the heart of all Inserm research projects: beginning from what is already known, scientists ask questions, construct hypotheses, and develop experiments that will generate new knowledge. From benchtop to bedside, Inserm is involved across the research continuum, so that it can transform these advances into progress in human health.
The knowledge generated by Inserm laboratories leads not only to the development of new therapeutic and diagnostic strategies, but also enables the formulation of recommendations for implementing public health policies. More widely, this knowledge is disseminated throughout society as a whole, so that everyone can be made aware of such discoveries, and may in their turn ask new questions that will lead to new advances.
Starting from the existing knowledge, Inserm scientists work on solving the questions that remain unanswered. They formulate hypotheses and devise experiments to test them. These experiments can be conducted in vitro (in test tubes or in culture dishes), in silico (with computer models), in vivo in animal models, or with volunteers (sick or not). The results of these experiments generate new knowledge that can be used to ask new questions and develop new hypotheses.
The knowledge acquired through the work of scientists is also disseminated as widely as possible to the general public. In some cases, its valorization and transfer lead to the development of innovations. The knowledge produced in research laboratories can also be used to develop recommendations that contribute to the development of public health policies.