Surgical research has shifted from the laboratory focus of the mid to late 20th century to a more mixed economy of data science, collaborative and qualitative research, with a gradual decline in more ‘fundamental’ science research. Many of the advances in surgical science over the past 70 years have come about through translation of fundamental science discoveries to their use in surgery. For instance, solid organ transplantation [2] combined developments in pharmacology, immunology and haematology in order to make what once seemed impossible (the stable transplantation of an immune mismatched organ) into a host. Similar advances have come about in laparoscopic surgery [3], joint prostheses [4], deep brain stimulation [5] and surgical oncology [6] where a clear surgical need to improve care has been complemented by a strong fundamental science base, with a surgeon as the leader in this role. Funders now acknowledge the need for strong translational science and are actively attempting to recruit surgical academics into these positions. In this article, I will discuss some of my experiences and opinions of how to best set up and run a surgical research laboratory. As my colleagues, members of the lab and the university will tell you, these insights come more from making every mistake possible, rather than doing everything right the first time. Much like surgery, progression in academia seems to be mainly due to a combination of working hard with being in the right place at the right time in order to progress, and a lot of luck!