Harvard Catalyst:How Can It Help Your Research?

Steven D. Freedman MD PhD

Professor of Medicine, HMSAssociate Dean for Clinical and Translational Research, HMS

Co-Director, Harvard Catalyst

Chief, Division of Translational Research, BIDMCDirector, The Pancreas Center, BIDMC

“The purpose of this initiative is to assist institutions to create a

uniquely transformative, novel, and integrative academic home for

the Clinical and Translational Science that has the resources to

train and advance a cadre of well-trained multi- and inter-

disciplinary investigators and research teams with access to

innovative research tools and information technologies to promote

the application of new knowledge and techniques to patient care.”   

CTSC 2007 RFA

Harvard Catalyst:The Basics

$192 million infrastructural organization designed to support, enhance and catalyze translational research across all of Harvard and its 18 affiliated hospitals and institutions:– Bring people together (CONNECTIONS)– Lower barriers to research such as the duplicative IRB

submissions and restricted access to cores (AT THE CUTTING EDGE)

– Enhance the pipeline of researches (NURTURING)

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterBrigham and Women’s HospitalMassachusetts General Hospital Children’s Hospital BostonDana-Farber Cancer InstituteForsyth InstituteJoslin Diabetes CenterMassachusetts Eye and Ear InfirmaryMcLean HospitalSchepens Eye Research Institute Harvard University Faculty of Arts and SciencesHarvard Business SchoolHarvard School of Dental MedicineHarvard Divinity SchoolHarvard Graduate School of EducationKennedy School of GovernmentHarvard Law SchoolHarvard Medical SchoolHarvard School of Public HealthHarvard School of Engineering and Applied SciencesRadcliffe Institute for Advanced Study

25+ Institutions Participate in theHarvard CTSC

Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyBoston College Cambridge Health Alliance

HMS Department of Ambulatory Care and Prevention at Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare

Harvard Catalyst Programs 1. Development of Novel Methodologies; Linkages (V. Sukhatme, Ava Guinan)

2. Pilot Studies (L. Nadler) 3. Informatics (I. Kohane)

4. Biostatistics (J. Ware)

5. Research Ethics (D. Brock)

6. Regulatory Knowledge and Support (B. Bierer)

7. Participant and Clinical Interactions Resource (A. Klibanski)

8. Community Engagement (R. Platt)

9. Translational Technologies (Imaging, Genetics/Genomics) (G. Williams)

10. Research Education, Training and Career Development (D. Golan, E. Antman) 11. Diversity (J. Reede)

12. Health Disparities Research (J. Ayanian)

Harvard Catalyst:Initial Launch September 2008

• CONNECTS– Web portal: http://catalyst.harvard.edu

– Find People, Learning, Access Resources

• Pilot Funding– $3.1M in 2008 to support innovative, inter-disciplinary, or cross institutional

research

– Now on Round 3

• GCRCs– Transform into CRCs without walls

– Develop common core lab

• Regulatory– Reliance agreement (single IRB concept)

• Consult Services– Biostatistics, Genetics/Genomics, Imaging

Introductory• Introduction to Clinical

Investigation

• T1 Translational Summer Course

• Summer Clinical Effectiveness Course

Advanced Courses• Searchable catalogue

• Compendium

Masters, KL2• 2 yr advanced programs

• Masters in Med. Science

• CITP, Scholars in Clinical Science, MPH, Masters in Bioinformatics, Masters in Global Health

Integrated Consultative Program

Education

R01 orEquivalent

Mentorship

Young People Applying for Grants

Applying forK, R, or equivalent grant

Grant Review Program• Review project timelines• Critique grant application• May recommend specific experts• Team approach

Problems• Darwinian environment• Gender/racial disparities• No team approach

http://catalyst.harvard.edu/