February 2026
Issue 1
Letter from the President
We’re rapidly approaching the Translational Science 2026 meeting, taking place April 20–23, and excitement is building with strong registration numbers and a surge of accepted posters. One of the most dynamic features of the meeting is the opportunity to engage in our Special Interest Groups (SIGs), which will hold in‑person sessions on April 20 from 12:00–4:30.
These SIGs bring together translational scientists from across the CTSA and CTR networks who are driving progress in key focus areas. This year, we’re thrilled to introduce a brand‑new Coaching Programs SIG, approved by the ACTS Board of Directors, dedicated to advancing professional development, team science, and well‑being through coaching. We’re equally excited to announce the reactivation of the Regulatory Science SIG, expanding integration of regulatory policy in clinical and translational research.
Following the SIG meetings, the SIG Showcase will feature posters, networking, and cross‑group engagement designed to spark new partnerships and ideas.
Mark your calendars-this is shaping up to be an inspiring and highly interactive part of the conference.
Allan Brasier, MD
ACTS President
ACTS Updates
Two New SIGs Now Open to Members
ACTS is thrilled to announce the creation of the brand-new Coaching Programs Special Interest Group (SIG)! The SIG will explore, develop and promote the use of coaching to support professional development, team science, and well-being for faculty and staff working in clinical and translational science. The SIG will provide opportunity for shared learning, collaboration, scholarship, and innovation related to coaching programming across CTSAs.
We're also pleased to announce that the Regulatory Science SIG has been reactivated! The SIG provides a critical space for ACTS members to become and remain informed about current policy, including changes and shifts within the regulatory and policy landscapes over time. Key next steps for the newly revamped group include collating tools and best practices, as well as developing and disseminating, resources that will help ACTS members align research with real-world needs, equity, and societal benefit.
Both of these SIGs are officially accepting new members to help with their missions. Visit the ACTS Tradewing Community to join their official rosters and become part of the discussion. Both groups will also host in-person meetings at the upcoming Translational Science 2026 on Monday, April 20. You can sign up for these meetings as an add-on when completing your registration. If you've already registered but would like to sign up, please see the instructions for adding sessions to your registration record on our website.
Still Time to Register for Translational Science 2026
Early bird rates may be over, but that doesn't mean you've missed your chance to register for Translational Science 2026! Full event and one-day registration is open online through the last day of the meeting, with same day registration available in-person in Milwaukee. Don't delay, as pre-registration only add-on sessions are filling up fast.
Translational Science 2026 will be held in Milwaukee, WI from April 20-23, 2026. Don't forget to start planning ahead with our full scientific program and our hotel and travel guide!
Partner News
Advance your Career and the Future of Dementia Research
The Alzheimer’s Association® Interdisciplinary Summer Research Institute (AA-ISRI) is an immersive, no-cost opportunity for early career researchers in care interventions and population health to further their knowledge of dementia science and accelerate breakthroughs in the field. Join us in Chicago, USA, August 3-7, 2026, where experts will offer diverse perspectives on groundbreaking research through group sessions and individual mentoring.
Applications are due March 9, 2026. Twenty-four applicants will be selected for this exclusive experience. Attend AA-ISRI to:
- Gain knowledge of basic clinical and biological aspects of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
- Hone essential research skills and learn about emerging research designs and analytical methods.
- Make connections with leaders and peers in the field.
- Develop a research proposal for Association and NIH funding.
Individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Postdoctoral students and early career researchers who are interested in care interventions and population health and have completed their doctoral-level degree within the past 10 years are eligible to attend. Please share this unique opportunity with potential candidates in your network.
Stories from our Members
Method spots early signs of infection after breast cancer reconstruction
In the U.S., one in eight women will get breast cancer in their lifetime, and about half of them will have mastectomies. Many of those women opt to have their breasts surgically reconstructed, most commonly with implants, but a relatively high percentage develop infections after implant surgery, requiring intravenous antibiotics and often removal of the implant. This can lead to additional surgeries, delays in cancer care and increased costs, as well as added emotional distress for women already under strain from cancer diagnosis and treatment.
To address this problem, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have developed a new tool to detect reconstruction-related infections early, before they cause symptoms. This could allow for preemptive treatment that preserves implants, improves patient outcomes and reduces the psychological and financial burden on patients.
Can Medical AI Lie? Large Study Maps How LLMs Handle Health Misinformation
Medical artificial intelligence (AI) is often described as a way to make patient care safer by helping clinicians manage information. A new study by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and collaborators confronts a critical vulnerability: when a medical lie enters the system, can AI pass it on as if it were true?
Analyzing more than a million prompts across nine leading language models, the researchers found that these systems can repeat false medical claims when they appear in realistic hospital notes or social-media health discussions.
Want to see your institution's stories featured in this section? Fill out our 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
Translational Science 2026: Building Trustworthy Translation - Rigor, Reproducibility, and Real-World Impact
Baird Center, Milwaukee, WI | April 20-23, 2026