January 2026
Issue 2
Letter from the JCTS Editor
It’s 2026, and good things are happening at JCTS. I am pleased to report that the number of new submissions increased by 17% in 2025, and that the average time to initial decision decreased from 56 days to 51 days. Thank you for your continued contributions to the journal; every submission is an opportunity to advance rigorous, generalizable science that helps the clinical and translational research community overcome real-world barriers to impact.
In achieving our mission, we owe an incredible debt of gratitude to our editors and reviewers – it is their selfless support that continues to elevate the quality of our science while sustaining rapid editorial turnaround.
As JCTS continues to advance the field, we recognize that it is important to let our authors and reviewers know what the editorial board is looking for when it prioritizes manuscripts for review or publication. In particular, we value work that demonstrates translational relevance, improves methodologic transparency, or that inform research practice beyond a single setting. I am excited to announce that we will be offering a session at Translational Science 2026 where editorial board members will illustrate the decision-making process, provide guidance for reviewers and authors, and will be available to answer your questions about publishing in the journal.
To support the journal’s continued growth, we will also be releasing a call for editors. If you are interested in helping authors translate the impact of their findings to the clinical and translational research community, and in stewarding the standards that shape how our field learns and evolves, this opportunity is for you. Keep an eye open for your invitation to apply.
Finally, I am delighted that our thematic issue on advancing understanding and use of impact measures in implementation science is now complete and available for your review. In addition, we have issued a call for papers that advance our understanding of how AI helps or harms clinical and translational research. As you study the impact of new technologies on our field, I encourage you to share evidence about both successes and failures. Understanding what works and what does not is essential to responsible innovation and acceleration of the translational process.
Chris Lindsell, PhD
Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Clinical and Translational Science
ACTS Updates
Translational Science 2026 Early Bird Rates end February 10
Time's running out to register for the premier gathering of clinical and translational research at the best rates around! Early bird pricing for Translational Science 2026 ends on Tuesday, February 10 at 11:59 PM CT. These rates discount full conference badges for faculty, administrative staff, and post-doc/junior faculty registration types. Register online today so you don't miss out on our best offer!
Translational Science 2026 will be held in Milwaukee, WI from April 20-23, 2026. Start planning ahead by checking out the scientific program, and keep checking our website for more updates as they become available!
Join the Next TIER SIG Grand Rounds Webinar on February 4
The Translational and Integrative Engagement in Research Special Interest Group (TIER SIG) is hosting their next Virtual Ground Rounds on Wednesday, February 4 at 12:00 PM ET. Join guest speaker Phillip Alberti, PhD for a talk on new research solutions in population health. Save your digital seat by registering today!
Volunteer for an ACTS Committee
ACTS is looking for dedicated members seeking new ways to contribute to the field of clinical and translational research. Get involved by volunteering with one of our committees, and be part of the next group of leaders shaping the future of the association. Positions are open in six committees: Awards, Communications, Membership, Professional Development, Publications, and Translational Science Program Planning. Interested members have until Tuesday, February 3 to submit their name for consideration!
New JCTS Thematic Issue Now Available
A new thematic issue from the Journal of Clinical and Translational Science (JCTS) is now available! This new issue, "Advancing Understanding and Use of Impact Measures in Implementation Science", explores the impact and evolving methods behind implementation science. These select articles and more are available to read for free online today. Want your manuscript published in a future issue? Learn more about the submission process on the JCTS website today.
Share your Impact with CCTS
The Coalition for Clinical and Translational Science is looking for new impact stories to help advocate for the future of medical research. Does your institution have a story to share? Submit your news to info@coalition4cts.org today!
Partner News
News from the Hill
The House passed the final, remaining Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations bills, including the bills for Labor-HHS-Education (L-HHS) and the Department of Defense (DoD). The Senate is expected to take the outstanding spending bills up before the current Continuing Resolution (CR) funding the federal government expires on January 30. Thus far, all spending bills have been crafted and advanced in a strong bipartisan fashion, and if lawmakers can complete the process, they will enact meaningful funding for federal agencies along with strong policy riders intended to preserve the integrity of the research process.
"News from the Hill" briefings are generously provided by our advocacy partners from the Health and Medicine Counsel
Stories from our Members
VCU analysis of millions of records reveals telehealth surge, persistent barriers to access
While telehealth transformed from a niche service to a lifeline for millions during the pandemic, a massive new study from Virginia Commonwealth University researchers is sounding a cautionary note: The same technology that continues to bridge distances can also widen health care disparities if policy and infrastructure do not keep pace.
To understand the scale of the shift to telemedicine, the VCU research team, led by Jong Hyung Lee, Ph.D., in the School of Medicine’s Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, analyzed an enormous dataset from the Virginia All-Payer Claims Database. Supported by the VCU Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research, the team identified more than 41 million initial records, and its final analysis covered more than 21 million primary care visits – including more than 2.6 million specific telehealth encounters – across Virginia between 2016 and 2021.
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
Share your Stories
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.
Partner With Us
ACTS is seeking new partners to help further our mission of advancing clinical and translational science! View our partnership and sponsorship prospectus for opportunities to promote your brand at Translational Science 2026 and year-round.
Upcoming Events
TIER SIG Virtual Grand Rounds: Population Health Research Solutions
Online | February 4, 2026
Translational Science 2026 - Building Trustworthy Translation: Rigor, Reproducibility, and Real-World Impact
Baird Center, Milwaukee, WI | April 20-23, 2026