Letter From the President

Happy New Year! Our motto should be ACTS is more in 2024 because we have a lot in store for you as we speed up our preparations for the TS24 meeting. If you have been busy and not able to pay attention or if you are wondering what is going on, let me tell you the TS24 meeting is going to be jam-packed with a great schedule for you all. We will be hosting the meeting at a wonderful venue, the PARIS, in Las Vegas. The meeting rooms will be comfortable, the food terrific and the weather (hopefully) nice. I am really pleased that the Special Interests Groups (SIGs) are spending time meeting and planning how they want to more forward this year to make even greater contributions to their science and we have staggered meetings in a way that people who belong to more than one (over achievers!) feel they can attend both (or more) meetings during the Tuesday afternoon time slot. The SIG members are the life of our organization and have told us they feel at home with ACTS. They find the sessions valuable, the variety very good and they feel a connection to the organization that extends throughout the year. We also have tried to make the organization one that in inclusive of not only CTSA hubs and partners but also of IDeA-CRT awardees as well. The ACTS is a great opportunity for all awardees and network partners to expand capacity and continue infrastructure expansion. Many bonds are formed here which is how we end up with so many exciting multi-site symposia and presentations. We also encourage awardees at each institution and our network partners to join a SIG and, when asked, to nominate either themselves or others to participate on the board of directors of the ACTS. We need everyone’s voice to address the issues and topics that are important to you.

As I said last month, each of us has a voice and ACTS needs to hear it. In addition to casting your vote for our current election, please consider your work in our journal, attend our meetings, join a SIG where you can meet up regularly with like-minded scientists and staff. This year, we are making an even greater effort to be fully inclusive of everyone in the translational science enterprise. This means whether you are a scientist, a staff member, a trainee, or a community member, there is a place for you in the organization. If you want more information, just reach out to a friendly ACTS staff person or send me a note at lbcottler@ufl.edu. I will be happy to connect you with a SIG Chair, or a Committee Chair so you can find out what is happening.

Don’t forget to register – early bird registration closes January 31^st!

News from the Hill

Over the past decade, the end of the calendar year and congressional session has been characterized by a hectic effort on Capitol Hill to pass the annual appropriations measures and other must-pass bills ahead of the holidays. This year is an exception. Lawmakers are still debating a foreign policy-focused emergency supplemental appropriations package. While the Seante stayed in session an extra week, there was no breakthrough on negotiations, though the extra time was used to confirm military promotions that had been delayed for nearly the entire year. The lack of progress on the supplemental package delayed further negotiations on final FY 2024 spending measures. Some federal programs are on a continuing resolution (CR) until January 19th, while most programs are on a CR until February 2nd, which means lawmakers will have limited time to pass a final package when the convene early next year (and may need to pass another short-term CR).

Alzheimer's Association Equity Assembly

The Alzheimer's Association invites you to join their Equity Assembly taking place January 17, 2024 from 6-7 PM CT. Join to discuss the latest advancements and opportunities that lie ahead in the understanding of the science and basic biology underlying Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Register Now for Translational Science 2024

ACTS and our partners are excited to head to Las Vegas for the first time ever for Translational Science 2024!

Taking place at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino April 3-5, with pre-meeting activities on April 2, TS24 will feature three days of informative scientific sessions and ample opportunities to network with an engaged community of trainees, junior faculty, and senior scientists.

Register now to save your spot at the premier translational science and clinical research meeting, hosted for the first time in Las Vegas. Don’t miss the chance to bump shoulders with colleagues new and old.

Member Highlights

SC CTSI Community Engagement team’s place-based approach in Nickerson Gardens, the largest housing development west of the Mississippi, is well underway. They have held listening sessions and townhalls to understand the health and social-related issues affecting the residents. They are creating a Coordinating Council to address social and environmental issues affecting residents such as access to preventive care, green spaces, transportation and more. Spectrum News LA highlighted this work. Check out the Instagram video here.

Dr. Jason Kutch, an Associate Professor in the Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy department at USC, is a SC CTSI Pilot Funding awardee. Our funding has allowed him to continue his work, which focuses on ways in which ocean and AI-simulated surfing can help with chronic pelvic pain management. Check out the Instagram video here.

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.

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!

Translational Science Today

Blood Testing Identifies Biomarkers of Suicidal Thoughts

Researchers from University of California San Diego have found that people with depression and suicidal ideation have compounds in their blood that could help identify people at higher risk of becoming suicidal. They also found sex-based differences in how depression impacts metabolism.

News From The Hill