Letter from the President
The ACTS leadership is actively monitoring the administration’s activities and executive orders that affect our primary mission to advance the discipline of clinical and translational science to improving human health. The speed at which these changes are implemented are challenging and stressful to us all- putting our researchers and trainees at risk for emotional exhaustion and a decreased sense of accomplishment. If you are feeling these natural responses, previous studies on professional “burnout” have identified practices of resilience that enable productive adaptation to a changing, uncertain environment. These include: 1. Prioritize inter-personal connections and maintain communication with your peers; 2. Foster wellness using healthy habits and mindfulness; 3. Find purpose in your work, controlling what you have power over; and, 4. Embrace healthy thoughts, maintain a positive outlook and accept change where necessary. The ACTS is here to help; our special interest groups (SIGs) continue to actively meet; they are a good structure for peer support. Attending the Translational Science 2025 meeting will provide additional opportunities for peer connections, networking and professional development. Our strengths are in our values and professional communities- take advantage of them to change and grow.
Allan Brasier, MD
ACTS President
ACTS Updates
Translational Science 2025 Full Scientific Program Now Available
The full scientific program for Translational Science 2025 is now available! Our program is complete with times and detailed descriptions for each session, along with a full roster of presenters. Now you can start planning ahead for keynotes, concurrent sessions, receptions, and much more.
Translational Science 2025 will take place in Washington, DC from April 14-17, 2025. There's still plenty of time to register, so start making your plans to join us for the premier translational science meeting!
Learn More
JCTS Thematic Issue Call for Papers Closes Friday, March 28
The Journal of Clinical and Translational Science (JCTS) is still accepting manuscripts for an upcoming thematic issue: Advancing Evaluation Practices in Clinical and Translational Research/Science. This issue will highlight the latest advancements, methodologies, and transformative practices in the evaluation of clinical and translational science, beyond the more traditional approaches. The deadline to submit your manuscript for consideration is Friday, March 28. Visit the JCTS website to learn more about submission requirements.
Learn More
Partner News
News from the Hill
The new Congress was sworn in on Friday, January 3 and convened to certify the election on Monday January 6. The broader government was suspended or working from home that week due to a blizzard and activities related to commemorating the life of former President Jimmy Carter. For the remainder of the month, the 119th Congress worked quickly to realign committees with new members and begin organizing activities. The Senate worked to advance consideration of various nominees to head federal agencies and confirmed former Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State with a 99 – 0 vote. During the final week of January, the Senate is set to consider the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.to head the Department of Health and Human Services and the House is not in session.
Read More
Stories from our Members
USC researcher's study on a potential mortality marker could help improve treatments for children with devastating respiratory syndrome
About one in five U.S. children who develop pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) dies each year. There are no known medications that benefit most patients with this condition. Clinicians provide primarily supportive care, such as ventilator management, sedation, nutrition, and fluid management. One therapy in use is effective for some patients but not others. Now, a research team seeks to improve the ability of clinicians to identify which children could benefit from this therapy as well as which children are at greater risk of dying from ARDS.
Read More
Improving Rural Flu and HPV Vaccination Rates Through School-Based Trusted Messengers
Schools have long played an important role in ensuring students are up to date on government-mandated vaccines, but a new UR CTSI project will test whether schools can help improve rates of non-mandated vaccinations, too. The project, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will focus on improving flu and HPV vaccination rates in rural Western New York schools through education and trust building.
Read More
Want to see your institution's stories featured in this section? Contact us to share your recent articles!
Engage with ACTS
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.
Follow ACTS on Social Media
Stay up to date with all the latest happening at ACTS through our social media channels. You can find us on our brand new Bluesky account, as well as LinkedIn, Facebook, and X. Drop us a follow on your favorite platform so you never miss an update!
Upcoming Events
FDA-NIH Rare Disease Day 2025* - Natcher Conference Center, Bethesda, MD (Virtual Attendance Available)
February 27-28, 2025
April 14-17, 2025