Julie Johnson, PharmD, begins three-year appointment to National Academies Drug Discovery and Development and Translation Forum

Julie Johnson, PharmD, director of The Ohio State University Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) has been selected to join a group of government, academia and industry stakeholders working together to identify critical issues in, and inspire action toward improving, the system of drug discovery, development and translation.  Dr. Johnson’s appointment to The National Academies Forum on Drug Discovery, Development, and Translation will run through Dec. 31, 2027.  The forum is part of the Health and Medicine Division of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.  

This forum will hold public workshops, action collaboratives and meetings that are neutral venues where varying experiences can be shared and built upon. Members of the forum will also work together to spur cross-sector collaboration to develop practical approaches for advancing a clinical trials enterprise that is more efficient, effective and patient-centered and also integrated into the health delivery system.  

Clinical trials are underway at academic medical centers and universities across the country to test drugs or other treatments that may cure a disease or make it easier to deal with symptoms. Dr. Johnson says that since it can take 10 to 20 years to complete trial phases, resources and support for scientists are crucial in moving forward today’s discoveries to improve health for all. 

As the CTSI director, Dr. Johnson witnesses how innovative solutions and collaboration address the far-reaching impacts of our changing environment, and also impact and promote health equity. She looks forward to being a part of the forum and working collaboratively to advance team science that will provide new opportunities for the discovery and development of new therapies for patients. 

“The forum brings us together to identify opportunities, address bottlenecks and spur innovation in biomedical research and technology,” Dr. Johnson says.