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More Treatments for All People More Quickly

We conduct research and support activities that address long-standing challenges in translational research so that new treatments and other health solutions reach people faster.

Latest News

Read our latest research news or follow coverage of our translational science activities through national and local media.

Using Certain Antibiotics During the First Trimester of Pregnancy Raises the Risk of Birth Defects

September 8, 2025 - NCATS News

  • Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Program

A study found that maternal use of certain antibiotics during early pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects among infants.

An Organ-on-a-Chip Model of ALS Will Help Uncover Early Disease Characteristics and Find Potential Therapies

August 6, 2025 - NCATS News

  • Tissue Chip for Drug Screening

Researchers created a spinal cord chip model of ALS, allowing for more accurate research of this neurodegenerative disease. This model could inform future studies on disease origin and drug screening.

A Decade-Long Program Investigating Understudied Proteins Builds a Foundation for the Future

July 21, 2025 - NCATS News

  • Illuminating Druggable Genome (IDG)
  • Our Impact on Drug Discovery and Development

Since 2013, the Illuminating the Druggable Genome program has helped researchers learn about understudied protein families to find potential therapeutics.


Advancing Translational Science

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Our Impact

Learn how our work speeds research and improves health. Key areas include big data, clinical trials and rare diseases.

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Research Activities

Explore our research labs, projects and collaborations that are advancing translational science. Our largest program is the Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Program.

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Training & Education

Enhance your knowledge of translational science through programs, activities and resources offered by NCATS and our partner institutions.


Resources for You

Whether you're a researcher, an aspiring translational scientist or an interested member of the community, find information and materials important to you.


Director's Corner

Portrait of NCATS Director Joni Rutter, Ph.D.

Joni L. Rutter, Ph.D.

Director's Message

Easing the Burden of Rare Diseases Through Translational Science

November 12, 2024

NCATS Director Joni Rutter kicks off a new message series on progress and priorities in rare diseases research across the translational pipeline.

About the NCATS Director

Joni L. Rutter, Ph.D., is the director of NCATS at NIH. Rutter oversees the planning and execution of NCATS complex, multifaceted programs.

Previous Director's Messages

Search all Director's Messages by topic and year.

Subscribe to NCATS’ Community Update

Sign up to receive email messages from Dr. Rutter on center initiatives, input opportunities, events and other activities.

Last updated on September 23, 2025