May 2025
Issue 1
Letter from the President
The level of engagement from the ~1,200 attendees at the TS25 meeting was inspiring to me. In addition to the special interest groups collaborating and expanding their professions, I was impressed by the level of volunteerism in our “Hill Day” outreach. Hill Day is the product of ACTS leadership’s work with the Health and Medicine Council (HMC) to advocate for continued funding in the CTSA program and sustainability of the NIH investment in science. During TS25, the HMC coordinated ~35 meetings with congressional and senate offices to share stories of CTSA programmatic impact on careers, health and the economy. This presence has substantial impact on NCATS and NIH budget appropriations- the good news is that there is broad support for research, as shown during a recent Appropriations Testimonial. I encourage you to share and view this meeting.
We must continue to articulate stories of CTSA impact on health. To help our advocacy work, ACTS and the Clinical Research Form, have formed the Coalition for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) to provide a unified voice representing the translational science community. The CCTS hosts a website illustrating CTSA impacts and policy work to assist in these communications. Impact stories in rare diseases, repurposing drugs, improving maternal health from CTSA Hubs are featured. Please share with us impacts from your local hubs!
Allan Brasier, MD
ACTS President
ACTS Updates
Introducing the New Coalition for Clinical and Translational Science Website
ACTS, in partnership with the Clinical Research Forum, is proud to announce a new online home for The Coalition for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS)! This website is your new home for the latest updates from Capitol Hill, new impact stories, and the most up to date policy priorities for translational science.
CCTS is a nationwide network dedicated to advancing medical research and innovation. By uniting experts, institutions, and advocates, the coalition works to secure funding, influence policy, and support the next generation of clinical and translational researchers. Visit the website to learn more about how CCTS is driving change through collaboration, advocacy, and education.
Earn your Team Science Fundamentals Badge Today
The pilot for ACTS's first ever digital badge, the Team Science Fundamentals badge, is still open! Don't miss your chance to be among the first to earn the first ever verified credential for Team Science. This badge is ideal for both established Team Science Professionals seeking to validate their core skills and those aspiring to deepen their understanding and grow in the field of Team Science.
This pilot is currently open to all members of the Team Science Professionals (TSP) SIG, including all new members who join today. Once you've completed the required trainings for the badge and our team has verified your proof of completion, you will receive an email from Credly with instructions to claim your new badge. Questions? Feel free to email our office at info@actscience.org.
Partner News
News from the Hill
On Tuesday, April 15, 250 scientists from across the country traveled to Capitol Hill to meet with Senators and Representatives and advocate for the full spectrum of medical research. The community’s annual Capitol Hill Advocacy Day was part of the Translational Science meeting and saw so much interest for 2025 that participation had to be capped. Ultimately, advocates representing 33 states, DC, and Puerto Rico met with congressional staff to educate them about the value and importance of medical research, including national competitiveness, local investment, and patient impact. To coincide with the 2025 Hill Day, CCTS launched a new website to serve as a central hub for advocacy information and to provide updates on key issues and activities. Please visit, https://coalition4cts.org/.
"News from the Hill" briefings are generously provided by our advocacy partners from the Health and Medicine Counsel.
Stories from our Members
Can hormone therapy improve heart health in menopausal women?
Deciding whether to start hormone therapy during the menopause transition, the life phase that’s the bookend to puberty and when a woman’s menstrual cycle stops, is a hotly debated topic. While hormone therapy, or replacing the hormones that were previously produced by the body with synthetic medication, is recommended to manage bothersome symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, Matthew Nudy, assistant professor of medicine at the Penn State College of Medicine, said there’s confusion about the long-term effects of hormone therapy, especially on cardiovascular health.
UC Davis' Aggie Square formally inaugurated: Sacramento Innovation District comes to life with labs, classrooms, community spaces
Opening a new chapter in UC Davis’ role as a regional engine of innovation and economic growth, Chancellor Gary S. May joined city of Sacramento leaders, developer Wexford Science & Technology LLC, business partners and community members to inaugurate Aggie Square, the $1.1 billion innovation district that will bring together the university’s cutting-edge research with private-sector companies and start-ups. The chancellor also announced new partnerships to accelerate life sciences ventures at Aggie Square.
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
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!