The annual Association for Clinical and Translational Science conference, Translational Science 2026 (TS26), was held April 20-23 at the Baird Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The event brought together more than 1,100 research professionals, trainees, faculty, and leaders from across the Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) consortium and beyond. The Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) was strongly represented, with more than 40 attendees from seven CCTS Partner Network institutions.
The conference provided opportunities to build collaborations, share research, and enhance the national clinical and translational science community. TS26 began April 20 with pre-conference meetings that convened several special interest groups, including Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design (BERD); Team Science Professionals; Training Research Education Administrators in Translational Science; Evaluation; Clinical Research Professionals Task Force; Scholars; and Translational and Integrative Engagement in Research. These sessions sparked thoughtful discussions on challenges in the translational research environment while supporting the development and sharing of resources that strengthen the skills and expertise of an evolving translational science workforce.
Over the four-day conference, TS26 featured didactic and experiential sessions on topics including AI and data science, biostatistics, workforce development, informatics, community-engaged research, mentorship, team science, science policy and regulations, and precision medicine. Keynote presentations by Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, PhD, MD, MAS, and Michelle A. Williams, ScD, addressed the perseverance, creativity, and resilience needed in today’s translational research environment. Attendees also engaged with research from across the country through poster presentations, the Three-Minute Thesis competition, and oral poster presentations held April 21 and 22.
The CCTS Partner Network was active throughout TS26, demonstrating the reach and expertise of researchers and teams across the Deep South. Faculty and leadership represented the CCTS Partner Network through presentations led by Jennifer A. Croker, PhD; Meredith Barr Fitz-Gerald, RN, MSN; Molly Wasko, PhD; and Carolynn Thomas-Jones, DNP, MSPH, RN. Abu Mosa, PhD; Michael Mugavero, MD, MHSc; and Kimberly Smith, PhD, also served as subject matter experts during panel discussions.
Scholars, including investigators representing the CCTS Predoctoral and Postdoctoral T32 Programs and the Deep South Mentored Career Development K12 Program, shared their science during poster sessions. A number of these scholars were recognized for research excellence with the “Top 50 Poster” designation, as noted in the presenter list below.
Fitz-Gerald, Kimberly, Croker, and Limdb Inducted into Inaugural Fellows of ACTS Cohort
TS26 also included national recognition for CCTS Partner Network leaders whose work has advanced clinical and translational science. The Fellows of ACTS honored its inaugural membership, recognizing Jennifer A. Croker, PhD; Meredith Barr Fitz-Gerald, RN, MSN; Robert P. Kimberly, MD, FACP, FRCP; and Nita A. Limdi, PharmD, PhD, MSPH, FAHA, for their substantial contributions to and service within the clinical and translational science field. Marie “Tonette” Krousel-Wood, MD, MSPH, CCTS T32 Predoctoral Co-Director, received the 2026 ACTS Distinguished Investigator: Translation from Proof of Concept to Widespread Clinical Practice Award. In addition, Orlando M. Gutiérrez, MD, CCTS Director, was appointment as director-at-large of the ACTS Board of Directors.
These accomplishments underscored the strength of the CCTS Partner Network’s commitment to developing the translational science workforce and supporting research that improves health.
CCTS Partner Network Scholars Dinner
A highlight of TS26 was the CCTS Partner Network Scholars Dinner, which brought together trainees, mentors, faculty, program leaders, and staff for an evening dedicated to strengthening connections within the CCTS Partner Network. Hosted at Rodizio Grill in downtown Milwaukee, the dinner provided a welcoming environment for attendees to connect beyond the day’s formal programming.
For many attendees, the dinner offered a first opportunity to connect in person after collaborating virtually. The gathering created space for conversation, connection, and cross-disciplinary exchange. It also served as a meaningful reminder of the importance of mentorship, partnership, lasting relationships, and shared purpose in advancing translational science. The relationships strengthened during this gathering will continue to support the CCTS mission of bridging institutions and disciplines to create a stronger translational research enterprise.
CCTS Partner Network Poster Presenters
- Tolulope Adetayo (Top 50 Poster)
- Van Barnes
- Jorge Belgodere
- Julia Boehling (Top 50 Poster)
- Jennifer Croker
- Andrea DaViera (Top 50 Poster)
- Brandy Davis (Top 50 Poster)
- Sara Davis
- John Echols (Top 50 Poster)
- Christy Foster
- Meredith Fitz-Gerald
- Ashley Heinrich (Top 50 Poster)
- Kenny Harrison (Top 50 Poster)
- Rebecca Tang-Holmes
- Jenna Honan
- Holly Horan
- Amber Kinsey
- Zhipin Liang
- Alyssa Paynter (Top 50 Poster)
- Demetria Pizano (Top 50 Poster)
- Federico Prokopczuk (Top 50 Poster)
- McKenna Tharpe
- Stephanie Waldrop
- Brigham Walker
- Dicle Yalcin
The momentum from TS26 will continue this fall at the 2026 CCTS Translational Science Symposium, taking place Oct. 28-30 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Complete the interest form to receive updates on registration details, speaker announcements, and more. Full event registration launches June 1, 2026. Subscribe to the weekly CCTS Digest and follow the CCTS on LinkedIn to stay informed of all upcoming CCTS news and events.