The Translational Science meeting is cosponsored with AFMR and focuses on creating an exciting educational experience for trainees. It builds on the success of the excellent annual trainee meetings organized by the CTSA Education and Career Development Committee, which have provided opportunities for trainees to present their research and participate in a broad range of career development workshops and lectures. This core is augmented by encouraging participation by more senior investigators and individuals from related disciplines who will organize and lead sessions on scientific methodology and the Best of Best Practices in the vital processes of conducting clinical and translational research. Thus, presentations on a broad range of topics from leaders in multiple fields vital for the success of clinical and translational science will provide an opportunity for attendees to learn the latest information about advances in the design and conduct of clinical and translational research.

The annual meeting provides an opportunity to address a number of the identified needs in the areas of developing a cultural identity, assisting trainees, providing continuing education for established investigators, and providing opportunities to exchange information and network among colleagues. By focusing on trainees and advances in the methods and processes of conducting clinical and translational science, the Society’s annual meeting will complement, rather than compete with, the missions and activities of existing subspecialty societies. In addition, the annual meeting provides an opportunity to learn from crucial stakeholders in the clinical and translational science enterprise such as the NIH; the pharmaceutical industry; the biotechnology industry; contract research organizations; governmental granting, public health, and regulatory agencies, including NIH, FDA, and CDC; philanthropic organizations that fund research in clinical and translational science; patient advocacy groups; and governmental leaders.

The Association for Clinical and Translational Science is developing a public education initiative to insure that the views of the Association are presented to the public and governmental leaders. This effort will be in concert with a number of organizations that are already working together to articulate a common viewpoint. A primary goal of the initiative will be to explain the importance of the CTSA program to the success of clinical and translational science and thus the importance of fully funding CTSAs to achieve their missions.