June 2025
Issue 1
Letter from the President
As a proud representative of the members of the US CTSA and CTR awards, ACTS is dedicated to advancing translational science to drive meaningful improvements in human health. A key strategy we use has been in the growth of our Special Interest Groups (SIGs) - grassroots communities of members pioneering innovation in translational science.
Among these, the Team Science Professionals (TSP) SIG is focused on equipping educators and scholars with the professional development they need to integrate and champion team science within their hubs. To further this mission, we are launching a digital certification initiative through Credly Digital Badges - portable, widely recognized credentials that help professionals showcase their expertise in team science while demonstrating an ongoing commitment to learning and growth.
At Translational Science 2025, we proudly unveiled our TSP pilot project in Team Science Fundamentals, marking the first release of many digital certifications in the TSP Suite. Instructions for obtaining the badge is contained in this newsletter. This is just the beginning, and we invite you to be a part of this transformative effort. Its simple to complete. Join us in expanding the reach and impact of team science!
Allan Brasier, MD
ACTS President
ACTS Updates
ACTS Digital Badging Pilot Expanded
The pilot for the first ever ACTS digital badge has been expanded! This means all ACTS members, regardless of SIG affiliation, are eligible to earn our brand new Team Science Fundamentals badge. Take advantage of this opportunity to be among the first to earn this credential, and help us build the foundations of the ACTS digital badging program.
Instructions for taking part in the pilot and earning this badge can be found on our website. Once you've completed the required trainings for the badge and our team has verified your proof of completion, you will receive an email from Credly with instructions to claim your new badge. Questions? Email us at info@actscience.org!
Announcing the 2025-2026 ACTS Committee Rosters
ACTS is happy to introduce our new committee rosters for the 2025-2026 term! These committees work year round to add value for ACTS members and assist the Board of Directors with the execution of their strategic plan. Take a moment to get to know the committees, especially our several new volunteers, by visiting our website.
Interested in volunteering with ACTS? Be on the lookout for future calls for volunteers in your inbox, or reach out to info@actscience.org for more information.
TIER SIG Grand Rounds with Antonio A. Bush, PhD
Join the Translational & Integrative Engagement in Research (TIER) SIG (formerly the JEDI SIG) for their next Grand Rounds webinar on Wednesday, July 2 at 12:00pm ET. Guest speaker Antonio A. Brown, PhD, will host a collaborative session on how to navigate the challenges of the evolving EDI research landscape. Save your spot by registering today!
Partner News
News from the Hill
In mid-May, the administration released its “skinny” budget request to Congress for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The proposal is extremely lite on detail and totals less than 50 pages for the entire federal government. The document calls for 40% funding cuts to NIH and deep reductions to other research, public health and patient care activities (doubling down on requested 20% cuts from the previous Trump administration). In any year, the budget request is a non-binding set of recommendations, but the draconian nature of the cuts will make it difficult for lawmakers to take seriously (particularly considering the FY 2026 appropriations process is already well underway).
"News from the Hill" briefings are generously provided by our advocacy partners from the Health and Medicine Counsel.
Stories from our Members
Wildfire smoke can harm heart and lungs even after the fire has ended
Being exposed to lingering fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke can have health effects up to three months afterwards, well beyond the couple of days that previous studies have identified, and the exposure can occur even after the fires have ended.
These findings were reported in a new study in Epidemiology published on May 28 by researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
New Assay Technology Could Reshape Approach to Drug Discovery
NIH scientists have devised a relatively straightforward test based on the natural vibrations of proteins that could help improve the search for new drugs to more effectively target a wide range of diseases. The test, called the Structural Dynamics Response (SDR) assay, could address a key challenge in the hunt for new drugs: determining if and how well a drug candidate binds to a targeted protein.
Want to see your institution's stories featured in this section? Head to our new story submission form 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.
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!
Upcoming Events
TIER SIG Grand Rounds: Looking Back, Being Present, and Moving Forward: Reflections and Pathways Toward EDI Research
Online | July 2, 2025