We thank Drs. Yeung and Shelton [1] for their clear and insightful editorial on our academic capacity analysis [2]. It is important to emphasise, however, that our distinction between 'primary' and 'secondary' research was not intended to indicate the 'order of importance' but rather, the logical progression from 'bench to bedside' in translational medicine. Surveys, for example, are undoubtedly important, but, however large or numerous, have never offered insights into fundamental mechanisms.Yeung and Shelton list the priority questions decided by the Responses to previously published articles or letters may be made using the commenting feature on the journal website or