Bioadhesion has attracted a sizable research community of scientists and engineers that is striving increasingly for translational outcomes in anti-fouling and bioinspired adhesion initiatives. As bioadhesion is highly context-dependent, attempts to trivialize or gloss over the fundamental physical, chemical and biological sciences involved will compromise the relevance and durability of translation. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Transdisciplinary approaches to the study of adhesion and adhesives in biological systems'.