Letter from the JCTS Editor
As we gather this week for the Fall CTSA meeting, many of us are feeling the absence of our federal colleagues—valued partners whose insight and energy drive much of our collective scientific progress. The current government shutdown reminds me that science is not an individual pursuit; it is a community endeavor that depends on shared access, collaboration, and continuity. The shutdown also reminds me of the importance of productive disagreement.
At its best, our research community exemplifies civil discourse: the ability to question, to disagree, and to refine ideas together in pursuit of truth. Healthy debate is not a distraction from progress—it is the mechanism by which science advances. When we listen generously and argue constructively, we preserve the integrity of our work and the humanity of our enterprise. Publishing plays a central role in that process.
The scientific record is not static. It is a living conversation across time, methods, and perspectives. Each manuscript we submit, review, or edit contributes to that dialogue—an act of trust knowing that others will critique and improve upon what we have done.
As we navigate uncertainty—whether institutional, political, or personal—let us remember that we are better together. Our community thrives not because we agree on everything, but because we share a commitment to evidence, transparency, and respect in the pursuit of knowledge. In that spirit, I thank each of you for sustaining the conversation, for mentoring others to join it, and for keeping our shared pursuit of knowledge civil, rigorous, and alive.
Chris Lindsell, PhD
Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Clinical and Translational Science
ACTS Updates
FACTS Nominations Close Monday, November 10
There's just a little over two weeks left to submit your nomination to join the inaugural cohort of 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. ACTS members in good standing who have contributed at least 10 years of substantial service to the field of clinical and translation science are eligible for nomination.
Nominations will be accepted until Monday, November 10. Visit the new FACTS page on our website for more information on requirements for your submission and how your nomination will be judged.
Learn More
Translational Science 2026 Award Nominations
Don't forget that the nomination portal for the Translational Science 2026 Awards is now open! Do you have a colleague who has excelled in their pursuit of innovative research or mentorship? Does your trainee deserve an extra bit of recognition for their work? If yes, we invite you to nominate them to receive one of our eleven annual honors. Nominations are being accepted until Tuesday, November 18. Visit our website to learn more about the award criteria as well as how to apply.
Translational Science 2026 will be help in Milwaukee, WI from April 20-23, 2026. Registration and hotel booking is coming sooner than you think, so start making your plans to join us today!
Submit a Nomination
ACTS Collaborative SIG Webinar - Digital Strategies for Scientific Success
Don't forget that the ACTS Scholar and TREATS Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are teaming up for a live webinar, "Digital Strategies for Scientific Success: Tools, Mentorship, and Communication in the Modern Age." This session will cover digital strategies you can use to leverage your scientific career, including video content, digital credentials, and more. This webinar will take place on Tuesday, October 28 at 2:00 PM ET.
Register Here
Partner News
MasterMind Transform - Enrolling Now for the January Cohort!
MasterMind Transform is a 6-month transformative leadership development and group coaching program promoting the wellbeing, professional fulfillment, and career advancement of faculty-level Scientists with significant caregiving responsibilities. MasterMind Scholars report statistically significant gains in key areas, including greater psychological empowerment, reduced burnout, improved self-efficacy, a greater sense of belonging, reduced work-family and family-work conflict, and lower parental guilt. Interested? Check out what MasterMind is all about by joining our free online community full of resources and events, The MasterMind Network. Or schedule a free discovery call to learn more!
Learn More
Stories from our Members
Duke CTSI Fuels New Diet and Nutrition Research
The Duke Clinical & Translational Science Institute (CTSI) has awarded a combined $2 million to five research teams from Duke University School of Medicine to develop and test strategies aimed at reducing chronic disease risk through nutrition-focused approaches. In addition to funding, the teams receive project management support from CTSI project leaders for the duration of the 24-month funding cycle.
The Swann Lee Awards for Prevention of Chronic Diseases Using Diet and Nutrition are supported by a generous gift to Duke University School of Medicine from the estate of Swann Lee, who specified that these funds be used “solely for nutritional and laboratory research focused solely on preventive care and health maintenance” — not for medical treatment or disease cures.
Read More
Want to see your institution's stories featured in this section? Head to our new story submission form to share your recent articles!
Connect with ACTS
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.
Learning Library
The ACTS Learning Library is the centralized location for all ACTS educational offerings, including partner webinars and past Translational Science recordings. ACTS members receive complimentary access to webinars and recordings.
Upcoming Events
Online | October 28, 2025
Online | December 3, 2025