This Special Session is intended to serve as a followup and complement to the symposium, "Bringing Translational Ecology into the Mainstream: Surmounting Barriers, Seizing Opportunities”.  Translational ecology bridges the communities of research and practice, bringing ecological researchers into direct dialogue and collaboration with decision-makers.  This Special Session is intended to exchange ideas and develop frameworks for expanding the community of translational ecologists and increasing the overall capacity for translational science among ecologists.  Panelists will share their personal experiences in translational ecology, from diverse perspectives (early and late career, academic and agency, research-oriented and practice-oriented).  Panelists and audience will then participate in a facilitated discussion about opportunities and challenges in developing and proliferating translational ecology among ecologists.