Translational ecology spans a boundary between ecological research and practical application, inspired by translational medicine and motivated by growing needs for science-informed management, policy, and planning decisions to address mounting environmental challenges. Ecologists and other scientists have a strong desire to contribute directly to policy and management decisions, and natural-resource managers and policymakers want to make sound decisions using the best available science. However, researchers and decision-makers comprise different cultures, and dialogues between them often result in misunderstanding and miscommunication. Translational ecology seeks to bridge the communities of research and practice by means of what William Schlesinger described as ‘constant two-way communication between stakeholders and scientists’. This parallels recent work on ‘knowledge co-production,’ widely applied in climate adaptation, referring to strong collaborations between scientists and decision-makers during all phases of research, from project inception to preparation of research products. Although many scientists and decision-makers recognize the need for engagement, they face barriers and challenges arising from the cultural, linguistic, and other differences among the various communities involved, the lack of institutional and professional incentives, and the effort required for meaningful iterative engagement. Speakers will provide complementary perspectives on translational ecology, based on direct experience. Each speaker will identify successes, failures, opportunities, and barriers based on their experience, and offer suggestions on how translational ecology can become more effective and widely adopted. The symposium will conclude with a panel discussion aimed at identifying specific actions and steps needed to develop, proliferate, and apply translational ecology to solve urgent, complex environmental challenges.