May 2025
Issue 2
Letter from the JCTS Editor
If you are like me, things still don’t quite feel normal. While we are seeing a return of notices of funding opportunities and notices of grant awards, much uncertainty remains. It doesn’t seem right to put off writing the next grant or developing the next concept, yet it remains unclear who I am writing for and what my priorities should be. At times like these, I find it necessary to step back and take a moment and ask not what needs to be done, but instead to ask why – focusing on why we do what we do can provide many pathways for action, and it opens Pandora’s box of opportunities.
I didn’t set out for a career that writes grants and proposals designed to persuade skeptical funders my ideas are worthy of investment. I set out to change how we improve health with innovation and discovery. For decades, though, I have played the game. I have perfected prose that persuade a particular type of reviewer to accept my approach, and I have developed arguments unassailable even to the most arduous study section. It is a wake-up call to realize that those tricks aren’t going to work anymore, and new language and arguments are needed. There is also a modicum of excitement at the possibility of changing rules and priorities, and the flurry of ideas that comes with a new landscape. Despite what I observe, I continue to believe that improving health and vitality is a key goal of society. I have heard this message when visiting the Hill, when listening to testimony, and when strategizing with leaders. So, I am accepting the shifting landscape less as an attack on clinical research, more as a redirection on health and research priorities.
It is difficult to think this way when faced with the challenges that many patients, communities, and investigators are currently experiencing. Resilience will be critical as we pivot to address new priorities, engage with new sponsors and funders, and continue our work to improve outcomes for all people. As we learn to navigate shifting perspectives and new realities, the Journal of Clinical and Translational Science remains steadfast in its commitment to publishing cutting edge work that promotes efficient and effective research. As you develop your strategies, we would love to hear from you with data demonstrating impacts and solutions so that we can continue improving health with innovation and discovery together.
Chris Lindsell, PhD
Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Clinical and Translational Science
ACTS Updates
ACTS and Translational Science 2025 on the Radio
Check out the latest episode of "CTSI Discovery Radio", which was recorded live in Washington, DC at Translational Science 2025. Hear from ACTS President Allan Brasier, MD, as well as other presenters from the meeting about this year's event, as well as the value the Translational Science meeting provides to the CTSA consortium year after year.
ACTS thanks the Clinical and Translational Science Institute of Southeast Wisconsin for highlighting our meeting and our association on their show. If you're in the southeast Wisconsin region, CTSI Discovery Radio airs the third Friday of each month at 12:00pm CT on WMSE 91.7 FM, and all past airings are available for free on Soundcloud.
Call for Nominations: ACTS Informatics SIG
The ACTS Informatics Special Interest Group (SIG) is excited to announce a Call for Nominations for leadership positions within the group, as well as an open invitation for new members to join their dynamic and collaborative community. Established in 2022, the Informatics SIG serves as a vibrant forum for cross-institutional exchange on integrating informatics into clinical and translational science research programs. Their mission is to promote best practices in modern informatics methods, enhance team science, and support the scalability and rigor of translational research.
The Informatics SIG is seeking nominations for one Chair-Elect and two Member-at-Large positions. Potential nominees are encouraged to contact Informatics SIG Chair Jiang Bian, PhD with their name, title, institution, and a brief statement of interest (150 words max). The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, May 28. All interested new members are also encouraged to join the next monthly Informatics SIG meeting on Wednesday, June 11 at 11:00am ET. Visit the Informatics SIG Tradewing Group to learn more!
Join the Next ACTS Scholar SIG Webinar
The ACTS Scholar Special Interest Group (SIG) invites you to join their next webinar: "Self-Compassion is your Superpower: A Mindfulness Workshop for Academics". Join speaker Danielle R. Williams, a PhD candidate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, for a reflective and practical session focused on mindfulness and self-compassion, tailored specifically for scholars and trainees navigating the demands of academic life. This webinar will take place Friday, May 23 at 12:30pm ET. Secure your spot by registering here!
The Scholar SIG serves as ACTS' central hub for trainees and other early-career scholars, providing them with experiences and opportunities to advance their careers in academia, industry, government, and/or entrepreneurship in the fields of clinical and translational science. Learn more about the Scholar SIG and all other ACTS Special Interest Groups on our website.
Stories from our Members
A Promising Strategy to Raise Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates in Rural Areas
Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Like most cancers, it’s more easily treated when caught early. Colorectal cancer screening rates are typically low in rural areas, especially among people on Medicaid. But public health scientists at the Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute (OCTRI) may have found a way to change that. They showed that mailing stool-based tests with an offer for more personal follow-up could increase colorectal cancer screening in rural areas.
Generative AI on track to shape the future of drug design
Using advanced artificial intelligence, researchers have developed a novel method to make drug development faster and more efficient. In a new paper, Xia Ning, lead author of the study and a professor of biomedical informatics and computer science and engineering at The Ohio State University, introduces DiffSMol, a generative AI model capable of generating realistic 3D structures of small molecules that can serve as promising drug candidates.
Want to see your institution's stories featured in this section? Head to our new story submission form to share your recent articles!
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Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized for outstanding or groundbreaking work? Is your institution embarking on an exciting project? Send ACTS your story using this form to be highlighted in future issues of the ACTS Connection.
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The ACTS Learning Library is the centralized location for all ACTS educational offerings, including partner webinars and past Translational Science recordings. ACTS members receive complimentary access to webinars and recordings.
Upcoming Events
Scholar SIG Webinar Series - Self-Compassion is your Superpower: A Mindfulness Workshop for Academics
Online | May 23, 2025