July 2025
Issue 1
Letter from the President
The events of this spring and early summer have shown that role of the Association for Clinical and Translational Science (ACTS) in supporting translational research is more important than ever. The passage of the Reconciliation bill last week does not end the discussion on the NIH, its budget and policies. Please know that ACTS continues its advocacy work with the Health and Medicine Council to support appropriations in clinical and translational research, particularly the CTSA program, the IDEA CTRs, NIH and others. Periodic updates from the HMC are posted on our “News from the Hill” page on the ACTS web site. To better advocate for clinical and translational research, ACTS has partnered with the Clinical Research Forum to form the Coalition for Clinical and Translational Science to represent a unified voice for translational science. central hub for advocacy information and to provide updates on key issues and activities. Please visit our joint coalition website for stories of CTSA-related impacts and help us to contribute to impactful stories. We need your stories to be successful!
Allan Brasier, MD
ACTS President
ACTS Updates
Rescheduled: TIER SIG Grand Rounds with Antonio A. Bush, PhD
There's still time to join the next Translational & Integrative Engagement in Research (TIER) SIG Grand Rounds webinar: Looking Back, Being Present, and Moving Forward. The collaborative session exploring the future of EDI research, planned and set to be hosted by Antonio A. Bush, PhD, has been rescheduled for Wednesday, August 6 at 12:00 pm ET. Those who have registered for the webinar when it was scheduled for July do not need to re-register. If you have yet to register, follow the link below to secure your spot!
Stories from our Members
Exploring the innovative, AI-powered CANDO drug discovery platform
The Computational Analysis of Novel Drug Opportunities (CANDO) platform is a computational approach to make drug discovery faster and less expensive while also being safe and effective. According to the University at Buffalo researchers who pioneered the platform, the impact on healthcare has been enormous. CANDO has also led to the creation of innovative biotech startups like AmritX, Meditati, and Mansarover Therapeutics, companies that are using the platform to develop treatments for non-small cell lung cancer, opioid use disorder, and aging, respectively.
Translational science showcase highlights RNA’s promise to improve human health
In 1993, scientists discovered a gene variant that increases the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease. While it’s now known that more than two-thirds of Alzheimer's patients carry this genetic risk factor, there is still no treatment to prevent them from developing the disease. Dr. Vivian Cheung is hopeful that’s about to change.
“We stand at a turning point in biology — one that is shaping how we diagnose, treat and even think about diseases,” said Cheung, a professor of molecular biology, cell biology and biochemistry at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. “At the center of this transformation is RNA. We are beginning to understand not only the genetic code but the language of RNA and the dynamic, chemically modified molecules that carry out and regulate what our genes instruct.”
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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 | August 6, 2025
Pragmatic Research Planning Workshop*
CU Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO | August 22, 2025
Online | September 5, 2025
*Promoted event; Not hosted by ACTS