‘Translating Illness’ in research, policy and the clinic: A clarion call from the humanities

In this talk, I will share the story of the original, risk-taking and, at times, mysterious journey that led me to the creation of ‘Translating Illness’. I will explain the nature of this medical humanities project, which was born from, and continues to explore, a capacious and multilayered idea of translation, one that originates in the humanities. I will outline how this idea or theory of translation applies to different clinical scenarios, namely psychiatry and epidemiology. Finally, I will suggest how this theoretical framework can help us inform policy making locally and globally, touching upon questions of health, sustainability, disability, diverse ability, and disease.