Letter from the JCTS Editor
One number can never capture the value of a scientific community. Yet there are moments when a number deserves to be celebrated. This month, I am delighted to share that the Journal of Clinical and Translational Science impact factor has increased from 2.0 to 2.7. That achievement belongs to all of you: authors who entrust us with your work, reviewers who generously volunteer their expertise, and editors who work tirelessly to ensure that every manuscript benefits from thoughtful, rigorous evaluation.
What excites me even more is what sits behind the impact factor. JCTS continues to grow in both breadth and ambition. Our new Translational Design Studies article type has been met with tremendous enthusiasm, highlighting the need for a dedicated venue to share innovations in how we design, conduct, and improve clinical and translational research. We continue to receive a strong and growing stream of submissions, and our reviewer community remains remarkably engaged despite the increasing workload. Their thoughtful reviews are central to maintaining the quality, rigor, and efficiency of the journal.
I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the dozens of colleagues who applied to join the JCTS Editorial Board. The strength and diversity of the applicant pool is an inspiring testament to our community’s passion for advancing clinical and translational science. We are currently reviewing applications and look forward to welcoming new Editorial Board members in late summer and early fall.
Our thematic issues continue to flourish as well. As the call for papers on Artificial Intelligence in Action wraps up, we are excited to announce a new call in the final stages of release that will highlight the role of rigorous qualitative methodologies, reflecting our commitment to publishing the full spectrum of approaches needed to advance translational science.
An impact factor is an indicator, not a destination. The true measure of JCTS is the strength of its community and its commitment to improving how we discover, translate, and apply knowledge to improve health. Thank you for making this journal your home as you advance the science of translation.
Chris Lindsell, PhD
Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Clinical and Translaitonal Science
ACTS Updates
Read the 2026-2028 ACTS Strategic Plan
In case you missed it, the ACTS Board of Directors recently approved a new Strategic Plan to run from 2026 until 2028. This plan will help guide the association through a new stage in its growth, outlining new priorities for SIGs, the annual Translational Science meeting, professional development, and much more. Members will receive periodic updates about ACTS's progress towards its strategic goals through the ACTS website. Head there now to learn more about ACTS's strategic priorities and find opportunities for you to contribute!
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Visit the ACTS Career Center
The ACTS Career Center is where translational scientists go to build their careers. Members have access to apply to exclusive job postings, and recruiters can share their openings at a discounted rate (use code ACTSMEMBER). Members also have access to the career planning portal, with tools for building your resume, job insights, and so much more. Visit the Career Center today to start planning the next step in your career!
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CCTS Wants to Hear from You!
The Coalition for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) is looking for impact stories to continue sharing through our website and advocacy packets we provide to Congressional leaders. Stories should highlight the CTSA impact, the science and supporting data, and who the science serves. Not sure where to get started? Check out this example, then send your stories to info@coalition4cts.org.
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Stories from our Members
SC CTSI-supported Study Shows Children’s Health Can Improve with Modest Behavioral Shifts
Children don’t need big changes in their daily habits to improve their health. For example, replacing just 30 minutes of sitting with vigorous exercise daily can help lower body fat, and replacing this amount of sitting time with sleep can improve blood sugar regulation, according to a new study from researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California.
The research, supported by the Southern California Clinical and Translational Science Institute (SC CTSI), was published in The Journal of Pediatrics. According to the CDC, vigorous exercise is defined as physical activity that increases your heart rate and breathing, such as running, jogging, jumping rope, swimming, or related activities.
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Sleep-Aligned Fasting May Support Overnight Heart Health
When it comes to healthy habits, most people think about what they eat. However, new research suggests that what time you eat - especially in relation to overnight sleep - also may play an important role in heart health.
A study led by Daniela Grimaldi, M.D., Ph.D., Research Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, Center for Circadian and Sleep Medicine, and Phyllis C. Zee, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Center for Circadian and Sleep Medicine, Chief of Sleep Medicine, Department of Neurology, and Benjamin and Virginia T. Boshes Professor of Neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, explores a simple idea: aligning an overnight fast with the body’s natural sleep cycle. The team’s findings - published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology - suggest that aligning fasting with sleep may help create conditions that support heart health overnight and during the day.
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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.
Professional Development
ACTS offers multiple tools to aid in your professional development. Apply to earn one of our new Digital Badges, verifiable credentials to highlight learning achievements in the course of your career. ACTS is excited to introduce new badges and professional development resources in the near future!