Three UC Davis leaders inducted as Fellows of the Association for Clinical and Translational Science

Three nationally recognized leaders from UC Davis - Frederick Meyers, Brad Pollock and Sandra Taylor - have been inducted into the inaugural class of Fellows of the Association for Clinical and Translational Science (FACTS). The honors were presented at the 2026 ACTS Translational Science Conference on April 21 in Milwaukee.

The designation as fellow is a premier honor within ACTS that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated sustained leadership, service and impact in clinical and translational science. Induction into the inaugural cohort highlights these fellows' contributions to research, education, mentorship and the team-based infrastructure that supports scientific discovery nationwide.

Frederick Meyers

Meyers is a distinguished professor of internal medicine, hematology and oncology at UC Davis Health. He previously served as director of the Clinical and Translational Science Center (CTSC) training core and currently is director of UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer CenterOffice of Education, Training and Workforce Development.

Since coming to UC Davis Health in 1976, Meyers has held numerous leadership roles, including chief of hematology and oncology, chair of the Department of Internal Medicine and vice dean of the UC Davis School of Medicine. He also played a key role in achieving the National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation for UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center.

In addition to his FACTS induction, Meyers received the 2026 ACTS Distinguished Education: Mentorship Innovation Award, recognizing his career-long contributions to education and mentorship. A former ACTS board president, he has helped shape national standards for inclusive and effective research training.

Brad Pollock

Pollock is a distinguished professor of epidemiology and chair of the Department of Public Health Sciences and the Graduate Group in Public Health Sciences at the UC Davis School of Medicine. A fellow of the American College of Epidemiology, his work centers on integrating epidemiology, biostatistics and research design to improve clinical and population health research.

Pollock has held major leadership roles within the NIH Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Consortium and ACTS, including chair of key national committees focused on research methods and infrastructure. He has also served as principal investigator of the Children's Oncology Group NCI Community Oncology Research Program Research Base.

His national service includes leadership roles with the NCI, the Association of Clinical and Translational Statisticians, and the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health.

Sandra Taylor

Taylor is a senior statistician in the Department of Public Health Sciences, manager of the CTSC Biostatistics Program and lead statistician for the Health Analytics Core at UC Davis.

A nationally recognized leader in collaborative biostatistics, Taylor has more than 15 years of experience supporting clinical and translational research. Her work spans clinical prediction models, cancer biomarkers, burn injury outcomes, autism, and brain and psychological development. Her research has led to improvements in patient care. She has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications.

Taylor is also known for advancing statistical literacy among clinical researchers and for supporting the professional development of biostatisticians as team scientists. She serves in multiple leadership roles within ACTS and is a founding member of the Quantitative Staff Network.

Advancing Translational Science

ACTS honors fellows who exemplify innovation, collaboration and impact across the translational science spectrum.

"Each of these inaugural fellows represents the mission of ACTS," said ACTS President Allan R. Brasier. "Their leadership shows how team science, mentorship and strong methods help move discoveries from the laboratory to patients and communities."

ACTS is a national nonprofit organization representing translational scientists from leading academic medical centers. Through research, education, advocacy, and mentoring, ACTS works to advance innovations that improve human health.