Letter from the President
As the federal government shutdown continues, the Department of Health and Human Services has furloughed non-clinically essential NIH staff — a move that threatens to stall momentum across the extramural clinical and translational research community. At ACTS, we are deeply concerned about the ripple effects this disruption may have on scientific progress, collaboration, and innovation.
In response, ACTS leadership remains steadfast in its advocacy efforts. Partnering with the Coalition for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) and the Health and Medicine Council, we are actively shaping messaging in support of the 2026 Labor-HHS spending bill. Our priority: securing robust funding for the NIH and protecting the NCATS line-item appropriation that fuels translational science nationwide.
Despite current challenges, we are energized by the future. Planning is underway for our Translational Science 2026 Meeting, a cornerstone event for our community. We also invite nominations for the inaugural class of Fellows of ACTS (FACTS)- a prestigious recognition for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and impact in clinical and translational science.
FACTS is more than a title — it’s a testament to leadership, dedication, and the transformative power of leadership in clinical and translational science. We encourage you to apply or nominate a colleague to be part of this distinguished cohort. Together, we shape the future.
Allan Brasier, MD
ACTS President
ACTS Updates
FACTS: Now Accepting Nominations
We're now accepting nominations for the inaugural cohort of the brand-new Fellows of ACTS (FACTS)! This premier membership program is for individuals who have made substantial contributions to and service within the clinical and translational science field. It's the perfect opportunity to gain recognition for your work and join community of leaders who will help shape the future of the translational science and ACTS.
Nominations are being accepted until Monday, November 10. Instructions for submitting your nomination can be found on the new FACTS webpage. The first round of FACTS recipients will be introduced at Translational Science 2026. Have any questions about the process? You can email ACTS Headquarters at info@actscience.org. We hope to see your nomination!
Learn More
Translational Science 2026: Call for Posters Closes October 20
Time's running out to submit your poster abstracts for Translational Science 2026! We're looking for your insights and breakthrough research to showcase at the Translational Science poster hall, one of the hallmark attractions of the annual meeting. The submission portal for abstracts closes on Monday October 20. Instructions for submitting your proposal along with a list of eligible topics is all available on our website.
Translational Science 2026 will be held in Milwaukee, WI from April 20-23, 2026. Will we see you there?
Submit Your Proposal
Translational Science 2026 Award Nominations Now Open
Nominations for the Translational Science 2026 Awards are now open! Each year, the Translational Science Awards recognize the top educators, investigators, and trainees from across the discipline of clinical and translational science. Know a colleague whose work deserves this kind of recognition? We invite you to nominate them to receive one of these eleven prestigious awards.
The portal for award nominations is open through Tuesday, November 18. Award criteria and a full list of materials to submit is available on our website. Winners will be notified of their selection no later than February 2, 2026, and will receive complimentary registration and a travel reimbursement up to $500 for Translational Science 2026.
Submit a Nomination
Join the Next TIER SIG Grand Rounds
Join the TIER SIG for their next Grand Rounds webinar titled "Integrating Team Science with Community Voices to Drive Translational Impact" on December 3, 2025 beginning at 12:00 PM ET. Guest speaker Whitney Sweeney, PhD will teach attendees how to leverage team science best practices for community engagement. Save your spot by registering through the link below!
Register
Stories from our Members
When diagnosis hits a wall, this global hackathon opens new doors
Young Julian Limon clutches his blanket wherever he goes, a source of comfort during hospital stays, procedures and tests. At 17 months, he has not yet reached walking or talking milestones. His brittle hair and unexplained neurological symptoms compound his challenges. He has endured pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses, and his weak immune system leaves him vulnerable. Despite extensive evaluations and genetic testing, Julian's condition remains a mystery.
This September, Julian's family will travel to Mayo Clinic in Minnesota to take part in the Undiagnosed Hackathon, a global effort to solve rare diseases that have long gone unexplained.
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UCLA researchers find “protective switches” that may make damaged livers suitable for transplantation
In a mouse model of liver transplantation, UCLA researchers have identified proteins that act as “protective switches” guarding the liver against damage occurring when blood supply is restored during transplantation, a process known as ischemia-reperfusion injury.
The finding could increase the supply of donor organs by using molecular therapies to strengthen the liver’s protective pathways. By boosting this protection, organs that would otherwise be discarded as damaged or suboptimal could be made suitable for transplantation and added to the donor pool, said Kenneth J. Dery, Ph.D, an associate adjunct professor of surgery in the division of liver and pancreas transplantation at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the study’s co-senior author.
Read More
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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
Hyatt Regency Crystal City, Arlington, VA | October 22-24, 2025
Online | October 28, 2025
Online | December 3, 2025
*Promoted event; Not hosted by ACTS