Harvard Catalyst
Harvard Catalyst pilot grants fund early-stage, theme-based translational science projects by Harvard investigators to advance methods, tools, or knowledge across the research-to-healthcare spectrum.
Funder: Harvard University
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 | March 2027 | April 2027 | February 2027 | December 2027 | November 2027 | October 2027 | August 2027 | May 2027 | June 2027
Funding Amounts: $25,000–$50,000 per award (direct costs, one year); some cycles offer facility use (3–10 hours) as the award.
Summary: Pilot grants for Harvard investigators to support early-stage, theme-based translational research across the spectrum from basic science to population health.
Key Information: Only Harvard-affiliated faculty may serve as PI; multiple PIs not allowed, but unlimited Co-Is (including non-Harvard) are permitted.
Description
Harvard Catalyst provides annual pilot grants to support innovative, early-stage translational research projects by Harvard-affiliated investigators. Each grant cycle centers on a distinct theme—such as increasing the impact of clinical research, expanding inclusivity in clinical trials, or leveraging core facilities—and aims to address barriers in the translational research pipeline. The program seeks to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration and generate generalizable tools, methods, or knowledge that enhance the efficiency and impact of clinical and translational science.
Projects may span the full translational spectrum, from basic/preclinical studies to practice- or population-based research. Responsive proposals are expected to tackle translational roadblocks, such as improving data integration, enhancing workforce capacity, or overcoming barriers to implementing clinical evidence in practice. Awards are intended as seed funding for feasibility studies, proof-of-concept work, or the development of new methodologies, and are not renewable.
