Letter from the President

Dear ACTS members,

We’re trying something different with our strategic plan this year. We’re asking committees and special interest groups to lead efforts to shift what we do and how we do it. Over time, you’ll see more activities held throughout the year, changes to our website, content supporting mid-career members, and more.

This is a sign that our society has grown. Over the last 15 years, we have seen 43% in growth, while there have been few changes to our structure. This is common for a society – we’re growing up, and it’s time for us to shift how we do things.

Many of you have become active in our committees and special interest groups. If you haven’t jumped in yet, finding a special interest group is an excellent starting point for year-round connection, including the chance to participate in our ACTS strategic plan. If you’re already involved, consider applying to serve on one of our committees next year. If you’re lucky enough to be selected, you can help lead our new strategic efforts even more closely.

One last thought: this fall we will be selecting our next President-Elect. After a year to learn the ropes, this individual will lead our society and guide our continued growth for the next two years. Only those who have served on our Board of Directors since 2021 will be eligible for nomination. I urge you to think carefully and speak with anyone who you think would be a strong leader for our society. This is an important time, both in ACTS and in the world. A thoughtful leader is essential.

In translational community,

Felicity T. Enders, PhD, MPH

ACTS Updates

JCTS Call for New Editors

The Journal of Clinical and Translational Science (JCTS) is the official journal of the Association for Clinical and Translational Science (ACTS) and the Clinical Research Forum. JCTS publishes articles covering the full spectrum of clinical and translational science. It is an Open Access journal where accepted manuscripts are published upon acceptance with a continuous publication format without designated issues. The multi-disciplinary Editorial Board is comprised of committed clinical and translational scientists. With a growing number of submissions and increasing breadth of topics in clinical and translational science and research, we are seeking nominations for new Editorial Board members, including scientists with the following expertise:

• Preclinical translational research
• Data science, informatics, and biostatistics
• Acute and critical care research
• Science policy and ethics
• Qualitative methods

If you are interested in joining the Board, please submit a letter of interest and a CV to the journal office at jcts@cambridge.org by July 1, 2026.

Visit JCTS

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.

Learn More

Stories from our Members

Celebrating the People Behind the Science: VCU’s Wright Center Marks Clinical Trials Day

Every year on May 20, the global research community observes International Clinical Trials Day, commemorating the date in 1747 when Scottish physician James Lind conducted what is widely recognized as the first controlled clinical trial — a systematic test of scurvy treatments aboard a British naval vessel. This year, the C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research marked the occasion by turning the spotlight on an overlooked and under-recognized segment of the clinical research workforce: clinical research professionals (CRPs) who operationalize the research. 

On May 20, the Wright Center hosted a breakfast appreciation open house at its home in the Richmond Academy of Medicine Building at 1200 East Clay Street, in the heart of VCU’s MCV campus. More than 70 attendees passed through over the course of the morning, and the conversations that unfolded were anything but routine. Researchers, coordinators, regulatory specialists, data managers, and administrators shared stories about what draws them to this work — and what keeps them going.

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SC CTSI Horizons program brings together faculty to share guidance and strengthen collaboration

The Southern California Clinical and Translational Science (SC CTSI) Horizons program was founded in 2025 to promote a spirit of collaboration -- and to fill a critical need. Specifically, the program was designed by several faculty members with the purpose of strengthening clinical and translational research by bringing together junior, midcareer, and senior faculty members in longitudinal special interest groups.

The aim of these ongoing Special Interest Group (SIG) meetings, held largely via Zoom, is to ultimately help investigators carry out their research. Meeting formats can include a guest speaker, guided discussions, mini-talks by an expert in the field, small group breakout rooms in Zoom, brainstorming via Mural board, and presentation of works-in-progress. Additionally, there are in-person coffee socials to promote connections on a personal level as well. Overall, the groups provide structured opportunities to exchange ideas, receive expert guidance and peer feedback, and to cultivate sustained collaboration long-term.

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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

We're excited to announce a quality of use upgrade for the ACTS Career Center! We have added a dual single sign on option for our Career Center. Your current membership login credentials now allow you to log directly into our Career Center. Try it out here.

Don't forget ACTS members get a 50% discount on job postings - just use code ACTSMEMBER to save!