ACTS Connection

March 2024

Issue 1

Letter From the President

Dear Colleagues, this is my final letter as ACTS President, as my term will end after the TS24 meeting in April. I have been honored to serve in this role and it has been a great two years. We have accomplished so much together. In my first letter to you I shared my ideas for ACTS growth.  Let’s review how well we did.

Our organization is thriving thanks to all of you.  You have made this organization vibrant and relevant to your needs.  ACTS is fortunate to have the commitment and dedication of people at Smithbucklin (ACTS staff) like Kim Wiatr and her staff.

ACTS has increased membership, as well as the diversity of our members—in terms of sex, geographic distribution, discipline, ethnicity, and profession—so that all staff, faculty and students can contribute to the Association. We have increased the diversity of attendees at TS24 as well, in addition to increasing the number of registrants. This year, we are well ahead of the registration goal, already.

We have strengthened the relationship and communication between our organization and NCATS by inviting the Director, Dr. Joni Rutter, to our TS Annual Meetings to participate in our interactive panel, by having Zoom meetings with her and her staff on a quarterly basis, and by hosting her at our in-person Board Meetings. We have also invited other governmental agency directors to participate on the panel at the Annual Meeting. These interactions have been met with enthusiasm by both participants and members.

We have seen increased involvement of association members in the business of the organization. Specifically, we have seen an increase in volunteers on our committees, and participation in the Special Interest Group pre-conference meetings. We have also added three new SIGs to respond to the growing interests of our members. 

ACTS began a strategic planning process to catapult the ACTS to even greater heights.

In my last Letter, I want to thank you for helping to make ACTS one of the best organizations in the country, and for being a part of the Translational Science Workforce. After this meeting, we will install a new President, Dr. Allan Brasier. We have worked together on multiple issues. He will be terrific.

See you in Paris!  

Linda (@LCottler; lbcottler@ufl.edu)


Make Your Preparations for Translational Science 2024

We're less than one month away from getting together for Translational Science 2024

For the first time ever, Translational Science is heading to Las Vegas, NV at the Paris Hotel and Casino. Get to know the venue and the surrounding area by reading the Hotel and Travel guide on our website.

Haven't registered yet? There's still time! Translational Science 2024 will take place from April 3-5, with pre-meeting activities on April 2. Register now to save your spot at the premier clinical and translational research meeting!


Add-On Sessions at TS24

Looking to add to your Translational Science experience? Try including an add-on session with your registration! These activities allow you to learn and network with your peers outside of the general session rooms. Our add-ons this year include:

Wednesday, April 3

  • Washington Update and Advocacy Training - 9:45 AM - 10:35 AM
  • Trainee Networking Luncheon - 12:15 PM - 1:45 PM

Thursday, April 4

  • Mock Study Section - 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Pre-registration is required for all add-on sessions. Already registered? Visit our registration page to find out how to add a session to your registration.


Special Interest Groups

ACTS offers its members the opportunity to participate in Special Interest Groups (SIGs) related to the field of clinical research and translational science. SIGs connect individuals who share similar goals and interests, providing a channel to network and participate in knowledge and resource sharing among peers.


Learning Library

The ACTS Learning Library is the centralized location for all ACTS educational offerings, including partner webinars and past Translational Science recordings. ACTS members receive complimentary access to webinars and recordings.


Translational Science Today

Senior's independence program could also aid formerly homeless adults

An SC CTSI-funded pilot study showed that a program helping seniors living independently could also benefit younger, formerly homeless adults experiencing accelerated aging and chronic mental health conditions.

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