Office Update: ACTS Headquarters will be closed from Tuesday, December 24, 2024 through Wednesday, January 1, 2025. We will resume normal business hours on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
Letter from the JCTS Editor
As we look back on this past year, I am proud of the progress we have made together in advancing clinical and translational science. It has been a year of steady growth and meaningful contributions, shaped by the principles of striving for excellence in research, improving how we share our findings, and making sure good ideas reach those who can put them into practice.
First and foremost, let us celebrate the excellent science that you have submitted and published in JCTS this year. Through November, we received 363 new submissions, 264 revisions, and 92 submissions for thematic issues. We have published almost 200 research articles, and over 100 reviews, perspectives, and special communications. Our manuscripts meet the highest standards of rigor and reliability, covering everything from early-stage clinical trials to large-scale analyses of patient data with a heavy emphasis on the methods and processes used in this research. These projects reflect our shared belief in the power of careful methods, honest reporting, and ongoing evaluation. By setting and meeting these standards, we continue to raise the quality and impact of the science we publish.
Publishing an article is not the end of the research journey; it’s a milestone on the road to real-world change. At JCTS, we are committed to ensuring that the publication milestone does not delay your journey to impact. As many journals struggle with turnaround time, I am pleased to report that JCTS continues to achieve time to decision of under eight weeks for new manuscripts and under four weeks for revised manuscripts. To support continued growth and maintain this incredible efficiency, we have doubled the size of the editorial board, added capacity for methodological editorial review, and we have established new review processes for thematic issues. We have also developed a new approach to tracking manuscript progress with a customized dashboard, and we have established new processes to rescue manuscripts for which reviewers are difficult to find. Each of these initiatives will continue to serve you with rapid and rigorous review and feedback.
I want to close the year with an emphasis on the importance of sharing good ideas. Strong research thrives when ideas flow freely among all those involved and impacts. JCTS espouses an environment and culture where knowledge is openly exchanged, and where creativity and innovation are applauded for their potential, evaluated for their impact, and celebrated for accelerating translational science. Thank you to each of you—authors, reviewers, readers, and members of our editorial team—for your dedication, creativity, and commitment to this goal. Your work ensures that we uphold the standards of excellence, that we share our findings as widely as possible, and that we spread good ideas far and wide. Together, we’ve made JCTS a place that not only publishes high-quality science, but also helps shape a more connected and impactful research community.
Here is looking forward to what we will accomplish together in the coming year.
Chris Lindsell, PhD
Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Clinical and Translational Science
Register for the 3MT® Competition at Translational Science 2025
Registration for the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition at Translational Science 2025 is now open! The 3MT is an academic research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia that cultivates students’ academic, presentation, and research communication skills. This fun and friendly competition is open to predoctoral trainees, postdoctoral trainees, and early career scholars. More information about rules and judging criteria is available on our website.
Translational Science 2025 will take place in Washington, DC from April 14-17, 2025. Registration is now open, with early bird rates available through Tuesday, February 11, 2025, so claim your spot at the premier annual event for translational research today!
Learn More
New Partnership Opportunities with ACTS
We'd like to remind our members about the new opportunities available for organizations to partner with ACTS! We have several exciting sponsorship opportunities for the Translational Science meeting, as well as offerings for year round promotion right here in the Connection. Our team has put together a brand new prospectus to share all the benefits to partnering with us. Be sure to visit our website to learn more about partnering with ACTS!
Learn More
Share your Stories
Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized for outstanding or groundbreaking work? Is your institution embarking on an exciting project? Send ACTS your story to be highlighted in future issues of the ACTS Connection.
Submit stories here.
Career Center
The ACTS Career Center is the premier resource for connecting those in the field of translational science with career opportunities. Visit today to find a wealth of resources to help achieve your career goals. ACTS members receive a 50% discount on the site—use code ACTSMEMBER to save!
ACTS Connection Gets a Refresh in 2025
Since its inception, the ACTS Connection has been the number one source for members looking to stay engaged with ACTS, and we've since been exploring ways to get you more of the news you want to see. That's why in 2025, we're revamping the look and layout of our bi-monthly e-newsletter!
With dedicated sections for updates from our member institutions and partners, and the addition of an events calendar, we're letting our members decide what they want to see in each issue. If you want your stories and events to be featured, let us know by emailing info@actscience.org!