Letter from the JCTS Editor
What a day it has been. Weaving a path through the challenges coming from every angle is tiring. The decisions we each must make, and the pace at which we must make them, is astonishing. And the consequences of those decisions have never been greater. I doubt there is one of us that has been unaffected in unexpected ways.
I am concerned and, to be quite honest, rather scared as we go into this uncertain future. Yet, even as the shell shock lingers, I am seeing things fall into place bit by bit. I may not like what I am seeing, but I’ll take any movement towards consistency for now. As travel and spending restrictions go into effect, reductions in student and scholar numbers are finalized, and other cost cutting measures go into effect, it is becoming clearer what resources might or might not be available. As leadership positions are filled, policies announced, and grants are amended or cancelled, it is slowly clearer what the priorities, constraints, and opportunities might be. I can’t claim to begin to have any answers, but I am forever grateful to one of my early mentors who taught me that if you understand the resources available and the rules of the game, it is possible to build groundbreaking clinical and translational research programs that make a difference. We just need to think like MacGyver and solve the problem with whatever we have available. I am not feeling it yet –the shell shock and fear are real – but the same mentor also taught me that first principles are a powerful foundation for any solution, so I am going to start there.
As we navigate this point of inflection, I encourage you to share your experiences in developing new pathways and avenues towards a healthy, vibrant world community. Whether by joining us at Translational Science 2025, submitting a manuscript to the Journal of Clinical and Translational Science, or through one of the ACTS Special Interest Groups, it is critical to share evidence about impacts and new approaches. We don’t have time to repeat mistakes.
Working together, we must rapidly adapt. It won’t be easy, and things won’t be the same, but that doesn’t mean we give up on our goals. Never forget that our community is extraordinary. Every day, I am reminded that we are not alone in what we do and that we are making a difference. Working together, we can chart a path forward.
Chris Lindsell, PhD
Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Clinical and Translational Science
ACTS Updates
Federal Updates and Q&A Session with CCTS Representatives
ACTS recognizes that government updates continue to come fast and furious. But we’re here to help! Join us Monday, March 31 at 2 pm ET/1 pm CT/11 am PT for an informational session on the current landscape, presented by representatives from the Coalition for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS). The session will include a 30 minute update and time for Q&A.
Registration in advance is required to participate in the session. If you already have questions in mind for our speakers, feel free to submit them through the registration form.
Based on the interest in this session, consider gathering your team in a room together so we can ensure everyone can enter the session seamlessly. Have questions? Contact ACTS at info@actscience.org.
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Make your Preperations for Translational Science 2025
We're less than three weeks away from Translational Science 2025! This year, ACTS is back home in Washington, DC for another year of education, networking, and advocacy. Plan ahead by viewing the online program for sessions and networking events, and check out our Hotel and Travel page for transportation and nearby attractions.
Translational Science 2025 will take place from April 14-17, 2025. Haven't registered yet? There's still time! Visit our website to secure your spot today.
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Partner News
News from the Hill
Hours ahead of a deadline on Friday, March 14, at midnight, the Senate passed a CR for the remainder of FY 2025, averting a government shutdown. While the measure ultimately passed on a near-party line vote, it was able to move forward when Democrats helped provided Republican colleagues with the 60 votes necessary to clear procedural hurdles. The FY 2025 CR was couched by Senate Democratic leaders as the lesser-of-two-evils, providing congressional guidance and legally enacted funding for all federal programs rather than risk the expiration of enacted legislation and a shutdown while the administration seeks to gut or reform departments and agencies wholesale. The CR had narrowly passed the House days prior and was vocally supported by the President. The text of the CR can be found here and a section-by-section Summary of the CR can be found here. Additional information can be found here.
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"News from the Hill" briefings are generously provided by our advocacy partners from the Health and Medicine Counsel.
Apply for 2026 Research Funding from the PhRMA Foundation
The PhRMA Foundation is now accepting letters of intent for our 2026 predoctoral and postdoctoral fellowships and faculty starter grants in the areas of drug discovery, drug delivery, and translational medicine. Predocs receive $30,000 a year for two years, postdocs receive $60,000 a year for two years, and faculty receive $100,000 for one year. The letter of intent deadline is 12:00pm (noon) ET on April 15, 2025. Apply today!
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Stories from our Members
Full-court press against Parkinson's: Former Texas A&M Coach Billy Kennedy finds hope at UK
Billy Kennedy, former head coach of Texas A&M, has spent his career developing game plans, mentoring players, and leading teams through the highs and lows of competition. But in 2011, he faced an unexpected opponent - Parkinson’s disease... Thanks to innovative research at the University of Kentucky, Kennedy has not only maintained a high quality of life but has also played a crucial role in shaping the future of Parkinson’s treatment. His participation in the DBS-Plus study - an experimental procedure combining deep brain stimulation (DBS) with an additional nerve graft - has provided researchers with invaluable data.
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Upcoming Events
Online | April 2, 2025
Washington Hilton Hotel, Washington, DC | April 14-17, 2025
*Promoted event; Not hosted by ACTS