DIRECTIONS
Lauren Harbert
Hello LTEN community, and happy January! Welcome to a brand-new year filled with possibility, connection, innovation and — most importantly — opportunity to grow together. As we step into 2026, I’m excited to share some of the new programs, enhancements and experiences that will shape your LTEN journey this year.
We’re kicking off 2026 with one of our most significant advancements yet. The Network, our new communities platform, will officially launch this year — designed to give LTEN members a space to connect, collaborate and crowdsource solutions in a more dynamic and digital way.
Inside The Network, you’ll be able to:
Share ideas, ask questions and join conversations with peers from across life sciences.
Participate in new mentoring opportunities (details coming late Q1).
Access dedicated volunteer resources and discover new ways to get involved.
This platform will become a powerful extension of your LTEN membership, and we can’t wait to roll it out to you in the months ahead. Keep an eye out for announcements and onboarding opportunities throughout the first quarter.
With the new year also comes a refreshed editorial experience for LTEN Focus on Training. You’ll notice several exciting updates beginning in this issue:
Our From the President column will now explore bigger industry-wide themes, as LTEN Board President Laura Last shares insights, strategies and encouragement for training leaders navigating an ever-changing life sciences landscape.
We’ve retired the former Guest Editor column and replaced it with a richer, rotating set of quarterly features:
Board Report – guidance, lessons learned and professional advice from LTEN board members.
Perspectives in Focus – thought leadership and best practices from across the learning community.
Advisory Connections – insights from Advisory Council members connecting member voices to leadership initiatives.
Beginning this quarter, we’re launching an editorial series that digs into the issues most essential to today’s training professionals. We start with our Resource Spotlight, where LTEN Marketing Director Nanette Nolan will show how LTEN’s evolving technology stack is empowering members to manage and maximize their LTEN experience. Throughout the year, you’ll see features on Collaboration and Career Development, each with rotating authors sharing practical insights you can apply immediately.
And, for our loyal Book Briefs fans, you’ll now find that column as the final article of each issue. After enjoying everything the magazine has to offer, we’ll leave you with recommendations to keep your learning going until the next edition arrives.
In addition to The Network and our refreshed magazine, here’s what you can expect as we begin another exciting year together:
Certification momentum: We’ll continue building toward the launch of our new LTEN certification programs.
Excellence elevated at LTEN 2026: Planning is already underway for our 2026 Annual Conference, where we’ll elevate learning experiences with enhanced tracks, new super sessions and more ways for members to connect.
Enhanced member experience: With our association management software and learning management system platforms now fully integrated, you’ll see continued improvements in navigation, personalization and access to LTEN programs and resources.
Growing volunteer pathways: This year we’ll introduce clearer volunteer roles, new ways to contribute and improved recognition programs—many of which will tie directly into The Network’s volunteer hub.
As we turn the page to a new year, I’m grateful for the passion, expertise and energy our members bring to this community. LTEN is growing, evolving and strengthening because of each of you.
Happy 2026!
Lauren Harbert is executive director of LTEN. Email Lauren at lharbert@L-TEN.org or connect with her through www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-harbert/.