Harvard Catalyst collaborative funding opportunity

Novel imaging techniques are invaluable for exploring the mechanism of action of new drugs and the underlying physiology of disease in multiple organ systems. A growing array of rapidly evolving technologies clearly has promise far beyond what is obvious — and clinical investigators are only beginning to learn how these technologies might be best or most creatively used.

To address this gap, Harvard Catalyst, The Harvard Clinical and Translational Research Center presents a unique funding opportunity: “Using Imaging to Transform Medicine,” a collaboration between the center’s Pilot Grants and Innovation and Implementation (I²) programs. The objective is to study the applications of leading-edge imaging technologies, including physiological MR (magnetic resonance), positron emission tomography, and optical imaging, and develop innovative clinical applications.

All Harvard-affiliated faculty are eligible to apply for the one-year Pilot Research Grants of up to $50,000, from an available pool of up to $750,000.

In addition, all Harvard-affiliated personnel, including staff and students, are eligible to apply for concept development awards of $2,000. For these smaller awards, novel ideas may be submitted without an implementation plan, so that individuals who lack research resources to carry out a project can still contribute insights about what clinical applications might be possible with advanced imaging technologies.

To be eligible to apply for the Pilot Grant and concept award competition, participants must submit a statement of interest that includes a brief description of a specific medical problem — one that advanced imaging techniques could potentially address. The deadline for submissions is Dec. 19. Applicants must also attend an interactive advanced imaging symposium during the week of Jan. 30 at the Harvard Business School.