Dubocovich honored in first fellows of ACTS cohort

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Margarita L. Dubocovich, PhD, SUNY Distinguished Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, has been honored by the Association for Clinical and Translational Science (ACTS) as a member of its inaugural cohort of Fellows of ACTS (FACTS).

FACTS is a premier membership program for individuals who have made substantial contributions to and service within the clinical and translational science field.

Dubocovich is one of only 36 individuals selected from the ACTS’ almost-6,000 members for the inaugural cohort.

She was honored at the ACTS Translational Science 2026 meeting in Milwaukee.

“Dr. Dubocovich’s election as a Fellow of ACTS is not only a well-deserved individual honor, but a powerful affirmation of the Jacobs School’s leadership in clinical and translational science,” says Allison Brashear, MD, UB’s vice president for health sciences and dean of the Jacobs School. “Her work reflects our commitment to discovery, mentorship and workforce development that advances science and improves health on a national scale.”

Dubocovich says she is honored to have been selected as part of the inaugural class of FACTS.

“This recognition is particularly meaningful to me, as I have devoted my career to translating my discoveries on drugs modulating melatonin receptors function into therapeutics for conditions affecting the melatonin system,” she says.

“Being named to FACTS is a distinct honor because it acknowledges not only my efforts in translational research, but also my contributions to the training of the next generation of scholars in clinical and translational science, as we work together at improving health outcomes in Buffalo, Western New York, nationally, and globally,” Dubocovich adds.

An internationally recognized researcher, Dubocovich is a pioneer in the neuropharmacology of melatonin receptors. Her work has led to the discovery of key molecules that either mimic the effects of melatonin to signal darkness or counteract its effects to mimic light.

These include widely used prototype compounds that have advanced understanding of melatonin’s role in physiological function, as well as lead compounds emerging from her drug discovery programs that are moving toward development and potential commercialization for treating circadian phase disorders.

At UB, Dubocovich has served as director of the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Workforce Development Core, as well as the lead principal investigator of the CTSA-linked KL2-Mentored Career Development Award program. In these roles, she contributed to the mentorship of 22 clinician-scientists and researchers who have gone on to successful independent careers in translational science.

She has further supported trainees at all levels by developing community-based professional development programs for undergraduate and graduate students. Her efforts to expand training opportunities include securing funding for National Institutes of Health-supported initiatives such as the T32 Initiative for Maximizing Student Development and the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET) Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, broadening access to research careers and strengthening the biomedical workforce.

Dubocovich has been actively engaged in ACTS throughout her career. She has regularly presented her research at annual meetings, served on review panels and award committees, contributed to publications in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Science, and encouraged her mentees to participate in and contribute to the society.

Her scientific achievements have been recognized with numerous honors, including the 2021 ASPET Scientific Achievement Award: Norman Weiner Memorial Lecture, the 2012 PhARMA Foundation Award for Excellence in Pharmacology and Toxicology, and the 2011 A.B. Lerner Pioneer Award for Outstanding Contributions to Melatonin Research. She was named a fellow of the ASPET in 2020 and of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology in 2017.

Dubocovich has continually mentored students, faculty and junior scientists, supporting career advancement across academia, industry, and government. Her leadership in mentoring has helped foster inclusion and expand access to biomedical and STEM careers and strengthen the translational science workforce.

In 2025, she received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring, the nation’s highest honor for science, mathematics and engineering mentors.

Dubocovich received the Award for Contributing to the Diversity and Inclusiveness of the Translational Workforce by the ACTS in 2024 in recognition of her extraordinary career focused on mentorship and building a more inclusive and diverse workforce.  

In 2017, she received the UB President’s Medal, the highest honor bestowed at UB, given in recognition of her extraordinary service to the university, her leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion and her significant role in building pathways to success for underrepresented students.