The aim of this paper is to discuss some developments in empirical translation research with an experimental and cognitive perspective. The focus is on the activities and research of the network TREC (Translation, Research, Empiricism, Cognition). The network was formed in 2011, funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and led by PACTE (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona). It consists of translation scholars and research groups united by their common interest in empirical and experimental research, particularly in relation to the cognitive operations that underlie the task of translating. The paper first gives a short general overview of research on translation as a cognitive activity and outlines the objectives of the TREC network. The network members, representing universities from Argentina, Brazil, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the USA, then present their most important contributions to cognitively oriented research (topics, methods, results). Finally, some conclusions are drawn and perspectives for future research are outlined.