December 2022
Issue 1
Letter From the President
In the United States, we are between the Thanksgiving break and the end of the year break. This time of year inspires us to reflect on what we are grateful for. I learned back in September that I am very grateful for the people in our institutions and organizations who advocate for science—especially clinical and translational research. In September, I went to Capitol Hill with other leaders from ACTS and CR Forum. In addition, our government relations team as well as the Smithbucklin Executive Directors of both CR Forum and ACTS were there to facilitate the meetings. We met with the staff of US Senators and Representatives on the Appropriations Committee, and others, to advocate for clinical and translational science. We described how CTSA hubs across the country provide integrated research support to many, how they contribute to translational research, and to the science of translational research, education, training and community outreach. We discussed how the research infrastructure had been built, in most institutions, from scratch so that the hubs could respond first and foremost to pressing scientific needs, but as the hubs matured, how each could respond to the needs of the communities they serve. We painted a grim picture of a scenario if resources would be cut—how it would significantly and negatively impact the community, and the next generation of scientists, their mentors, research investigators, and research staff. We discussed how any loss of funding could erode the advances that are being made on population health. After all these years of the CTSA program, reductions in funding would leave a gap that would take decades to fill.
As one who never really understood the advocacy platform very well, I can now say that the past few years have shown me the absolute necessity of this effort. Each of us has a voice that should be heard. I can say with certainty that staffers of our elected officials are keen on hearing about the science going on that is paid for with taxpayer dollars, that they want to hear from you, even if it is a phone call where you express your ideas. You have influence. Finally, on this visit, I was reminded of the solemness of the Capitol, the oath that these people take, and how grateful I am that I have a voice in electing the people who serve.
I wish you all a restful, peaceful and healthy break.
Linda B. Cottler, PhD, MPH, FACE
ACTS President
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Translational Science Today
Statement on the Retirement of Dr. John Gallin
With gratitude for his leadership and dedication to NIH, I announce that John I. Gallin, M.D., will retire from federal service on March 25, 2023.