The annual Association for Clinical and Translational Science (ACTS) Conference (TS24), held in Las Vegas, Nevada from April 3-5, 2024, brought together over 1000 clinical research staff professionals, trainees, faculty, and national leaders, including strong representation from the CTSA consortium and our CCTS Partner Network, to celebrate advances in translational science, clinical research, and health equity. As we reflect on the highlights and moments captured at TS24, it is important to recognize how the event fostered key consortium-wide connections and initiatives as well as offering learning and collaborative opportunities.

TS24 kicked off with pre-meetings on April 2nd that assembled special interest groups representing BERD (Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Research Design), JEDI, Training Education, Informatics, and Clinical Research to brainstorm ways to advance the collaborative efforts of those groups as they envision the future in an evolving translational science workforce. The official TS24 conference commenced with an inspirational keynote speech from Dr. Carl Hill on the importance of health equity and resource accessibility for dementia patients in underserved communities. The momentum to jumpstart the beginning of each day did not end there. Day 2 and Day 3 were led by passionate keynote presentations on Translational and Genomic Research Engagement (Dr. Karriem Watson) – featuring the CCTS Partner Network’s leadership role in bioethics, outreach, and trust building through the Southern All of Us program – and Autism Research in the African American Community (Dr. Elizabeth Drame and Mrs. Tara Adams).

Over the three-day conference, the heart of the ACTS Conference lies in its mission of cutting-edge research and breakthrough discoveries. Attendees were treated to an impressive lineup of didactic learning sessions, oral presentations, poster sessions, and the exciting and fast-paced Three Minute Thesis competition. From mentorship sessions, trainee and career workshops, networking receptions, and social events, the conference provided a supportive environment for career advancement and growth. The CCTS Partner Network was represented at TS24 in an engaged discussion led by Drs. Becky Reamey and Jennifer Croker on serving the community more effectively by appreciating the full spectrum of biases that may influence interpersonal relationships and the conduct of research. The CCTS Partner Network predoctoral training program (TL1) was also showcased during the oral and poster presentations by being competitively awarded Gold and Blue Ribbons (listed below), which spotlight excellence in scientific research. Beyond the lineup of sessions that were offered on the conference agenda, TS24 offered other vital opportunities for networking and professional development while engaging in lively discussions that forged new collaborations with colleagues from academia and government agencies. As we eagerly anticipate TS25, which will be back in Washington D.C., we will forge ahead with the momentum generated at TS24 and continue to advance innovation and scientific discovery for the community at large.

TS24 also offered a platform for co-supporter, the Clinical Research Forum (CRF), to honor outstanding achievement in clinical investigation that benefits the health and welfare of our nation’s citizens. For the second year in a row, CCTS investigators were recognized with the CRF Top 10 Clinical Research Achievement Award. This year, the CRF awarded the study entitled “Azithromycin to Prevent Sepsis or Death in Women Planning a Vaginal Birth (A-PLUS),” led by Dr. Waldemar Carlo, Professor of Pediatrics, co-Division Director of Neonatology and Edwin M. Dixon Endowed Chair, and Dr. Alan Tita, Professor and Senior Vice Chair for research and innovation in UAB’s Obstetrics and Gynecology Department. The A-PLUS trial represents a landmark study with global reach enrolling more than 29,000 women in seven low- and middle-income countries with significant health disparities. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2023, the project created an evidence base for a low-cost intervention that can be used to reduce maternal sepsis and deaths in underserved regions on a global scale.

CCTS Partner Network Scholars Dinner
The CCTS Partner Network Scholars Dinner brought together trainees, faculty, mentors, program leaders, and staff from across the CCTS Partner Network for an evening of strengthening the collaborative bonds of the CCTS consortium. Held at the Las Vegas Paris Hotel, the atmosphere was conducive to nurturing an organic and synergistic networking event. The Scholars Dinner fostered meaningful connections and collaborations while facilitating interdisciplinary conversations that re-invigorated everyone after a full day spent attending sessions at TS24. Attendees engaged in vibrant discussions that shared insights, challenges, future goals, life experiences, and innovative approaches aimed at advancing translational research. The evening served as a catalyst for forging new partnerships and strengthening existing ones that will propel the CCTS mission of reaching across departmental and institutional lines and building a formidable CTSA. The in-person experiences shared in Las Vegas at TS24 were purposeful for the Partner Network and showed the value of 3-dimensional gatherings where interpersonal connections are more impactful. This annual event will be continued next year in Washington D.C. at TS25.

CCTS Partner Network Poster Presenters

• Ameer Mansur - University of Alabama at Birmingham
• Arlet Hernandez (Blue Ribbon Awardee) - University of Alabama at Birmingham
• Brittney Davis - University of Alabama at Birmingham
• Chloe Jones (Blue Ribbon Awardee) – Auburn University
• Claire Romaine – Tulane University
• Derek Werthmann – Tulane University
• Edward Huang - University of Alabama at Birmingham
• Emily Hartsell (Blue Ribbon Awardee) - University of South Alabama
• Emily Hughes - University of Alabama at Birmingham
• Grace Kim (Blue Ribbon Awardee) – Louisiana State Health Services Center
• Grant Talkington – Tulane University
• Jessica Jaiswal - University of Alabama at Birmingham
• Juliet Strauss (Gold Ribbon Awardee) – Tulane University
• Katherine McKeon – Tulane University
• Kimberly McCall - University of Alabama at Birmingham
• Michael Celestin – Louisiana State Health Services Center
• Nell Bond – Tulane University
• Shia Vang - University of Alabama at Birmingham
• Soolim Jeong – Auburn University