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Recognize excellence in clinical and translational science

Translational Science 2026 Awards banner

Do you know an outstanding investigator, educator, trainee, or team driving innovation in clinical and translational science? Help us honor their contributions by submitting a nomination for the Translational Science 2026 Awards.

Nominations are open through November 18, 2025.

Submit a Nomination: actscience.org/Translational-Science/Awards-Submissions

Nominate an Individual for an Award:

ACTS Distinguished Investigator Awards

Honors senior investigators whose innovative research or leadership has had a major impact.

  • Edward H. Ahrens, Jr. Award – Transformational bench-to-bedside translational research.
  • Proof-of-Concept to Clinical Practice – Implementing and disseminating translational solutions into practice.

ACTS Outstanding Trainee Awards

Recognizes pre-doctoral, post-doctoral, and early faculty trainees with high-impact research.

  • Pre-Doctoral Scholar Award – Innovative thinking with transformational potential.
  • Post-Doctoral Award – Impactful, collaborative translational research.
  • Early Career Award – Faculty research with productivity and policy/care influence.

ACTS Distinguished Educator Awards

Honors educators and mentors advancing the next generation of researchers.

  • Rebecca Jackson Award – Innovation in health sciences education.
  • Mentorship Innovation Award – Outstanding mentorship.

Team Science Award

Recognizes interdisciplinary teams advancing discoveries into clinical applications.

ACTS Award for Supporting an Excellent Translational Science Workforce

Celebrates individuals who strengthen the translational science workforce.

Improving Health Outcomes Through Innovation in Excellent Research Award

Honors academic–community partnerships that deliver measurable improvements.

JCTS Publication Award

Highlights an outstanding JCTS publication (July 2023–June 2025) that advances the field.

Celebrate the individuals and teams shaping the future of translational science. View full submission guidelines at actscience.org.

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Have news or an announcement to share? Contact Michelle Maclay at michelle_maclay@med.unc.edu

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