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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.

New Assay Technology Could Reshape Approach to Drug Discovery

June 3, 2025 - NCATS News

  • Assay Development and Screening Technology (ADST)
  • Our Impact on Tools and Technologies

NIH researchers created a test based on the natural vibrations of proteins that could help improve the search for drugs to treat a wide range of diseases.

Turning to AI, NIH Scientists Reveal Promising Pancreatic Cancer Drug Combinations

May 29, 2025 - NCATS News

  • Automation
  • Compound Management
  • Matrix Combination Screening

A collaborative research study screened existing drugs to identify drug combinations that could treat a complex cancer that’s hard to detect and resists treatments.

Infant with Rare, Incurable Disease is First to Successfully Receive Personalized Gene Therapy Treatment

May 28, 2025 - NCATS News

  • Our Impact on Rare Diseases
  • Somatic Cell Genome Editing (SCGE)

NIH-supported gene-editing platform lays groundwork to rapidly develop treatments for other rare genetic diseases.


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.

Scientist looks into a microscope with one scientist next to her and one behind her.

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 July 10, 2025