Meredith B. Fitz-Gerald, RN, MSN, was recognized as a 2026 Fellow of ACTS
The Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS), based at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and spanning an 11-institution Partner Network across Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, is pleased to announce that Meredith B. Fitz-Gerald, RN, MSN, was recognized as a 2026 Fellow of ACTS. The Association for Clinical and Translational Science (ACTS), a non-profit membership association of translational scientists from the nation’s leading academic medical centers, honored its Fellows at Translational Science 2026.
Fitz-Gerald serves as Director of Clinical Research Support Enterprise (CReSt) Community Partners and Education. Through this role, she helps strengthen clinical research operations, workforce training, and study implementation support across UAB, the Birmingham metro area, and the broader CCTS Partner Network. She also serves as an Adjunct Instructor in the UAB School of Nursing Clinical Research Management Certificate and Master Program. Through these roles, Fitz-Gerald has helped strengthen clinical research operations, workforce training, and study implementation support across UAB, the Birmingham metro area, and the broader CCTS Partner Network.
Her work supports a wide range of clinical research activities, including study start-up, workflow design, protocol and informed consent preparation, budget development, regulatory documentation, recruitment, participant consent, study monitoring, quality assurance, and clinicaltrials.gov compliance. She has supported clinical research protocols across UAB, The Kirklin Clinic, the VA Medical Center, Children’s of Alabama, and Ascension St. Vincent’s, working with investigators, nurses, clinical research professionals, and study teams across multiple departments and divisions.
Fitz-Gerald has also played a major role in developing and leading clinical research education programs for the CCTS, including the Research Orientation Program, Research Training Program, Clinical Investigator Training Program, Research Seminar Series, CCTS Lunch and Learn seminars, RISE Leadership Development, CREATE for research teams, and other workshops and training opportunities. Her work also includes maintaining and developing resources on the CCTS Clinical Trials Kiosk and analyzing program participation, impact, and knowledge gained through CCTS clinical research education programs.
Nationally, Fitz-Gerald has contributed to ACTS and CTSA workforce development efforts through service on the ACTS/CTSA Clinical Workforce Executive Committee and Special Interest Groups focused on retention conversations, apprenticeship and internship models, mentorship, and team science. She has presented at national ACTS and Association of Clinical Research Professionals meetings on topics including clinical research professional workforce development, retention of high-quality clinical research professionals, team science competency development, apprenticeship, internship, and mentorship.
Her contributions also include peer-reviewed publications and national presentations focused on clinical research management, workforce retention, research operations, and clinical trial implementation. In 2024, Fitz-Gerald received the UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine Dean’s Excellence Award for Staff, recognizing her service and leadership.
This year, ACTS launched the Fellows of ACTS (FACTS) program. FACTS is a premier membership program for individuals who have made substantial contributions to and service within the clinical and translational science field. FACTS recognizes those who are an essential part of the clinical and translational community. This inaugural application process was rigorous and competitive, with 36 individuals selected from ACTS’ almost 6,000-person membership.
“The Fellows of ACTS program recognizes those whose impact on the clinical and translational space and the Association for Clinical and Translational Science is undeniable. The fellowship celebrates the work of the entire translational science community—from researchers to administrative staff. These fellows and their contributions truly embody the values and mission of ACTS for innovation, team science and community. We are pleased to celebrate their achievements and impact at Translational Science 2026,” said ACTS President Allan R. Brasier, MD.
About the Association for Clinical and Translational Science
The Association for Clinical and Translational Science (ACTS) uniquely provides an outstanding platform for enhancing education, research, and public policy related to clinical and translational science. ACTS members consist of leaders, investigators, and trainees from academic medical centers, government, industry, and philanthropy. ACTS focuses on four realms: research, education, advocacy, and mentoring. Additional information is available at the ACTS website at actscience.org.
About the Center for Clinical and Translational Science
Established in 2008, the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) advances clinical and translational research aimed at reducing the burden of cardiometabolic, vascular, and cancer-related diseases affecting the Deep South. As one of more than 60 Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) nationwide, the CCTS supports collaborative research that reaches across institutional boundaries. Its regional Partner Network includes 11 academic health centers, research institutes, and universities across Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, providing a platform for researchers to work across disciplines, institutions, and communities to accelerate discovery and improve health.