The Catalyst Fellowship at MIT linQ

Who should join

Catalyst is appropriate for those with interest and willingness to spend time in research, innovation, and health.

We seek a multi-talented cohort, including:

• Engineers, scientists, clinicians, researchers, designers, entrepreneurs, business developers, etc.
• Experienced professionals
• Advanced trainees nearing completion of their advanced degrees (e.g., postdocs, fellows, other professional degree candidates, etc.)
• VA- and non-VA-affiliated;
  • If VA-affiliated, be from one of the sites in the VHA Innovators Network

Participants join as individuals to form teams and identify new lines of research.  We do not expect candidates to have an ongoing research project to “bring” to the program, though having had some research or project experience is important. See the profiles of recent fellows, from 2022, 2021, and 2020.

While we expect candidates to have some identified area of expertise, we do not specify that area, nor do we expect candidates to be deeply familiar with the research/innovation priorities. Through our process, Fellows working in teams learn from one another, gain from hearing the perspective of others (even those who are not expert), and sometimes Fellows have to unlearn (or set aside) what they know about a problem to open the door to observations and, ultimately, innovation.

Faculty serving as mentors will help guide you through the Catalyst process, which involves cycles of convergent and divergent thinking, trial and error, iteration, progress, reassessment, creativity, critical thinking, and more iteration. Although seldom a linear path, it is always an exciting one for those who are ready for a journey from insight to impact. You and your teammates will ultimately decide which projects to move forward. Applicants don’t need to know a lot about entrepreneurship or innovation.

Cost

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and partners, this program does not require individuals to pay tuition.

Other Catalyst roles

If you’re interested in Catalyst, but not interested in becoming a Fellow, there are additional roles.  Indeed, Catalyst depends on input and participation from a wide range of individuals, and in various capacities to reach our goals. Roles include (but aren’t limited to): serving as a subject matter expert, reviewing interim work by Fellows, professional development advising, teaching workshops, making connections, allowing shadowing experiences, access to labs or data, longitudinal mentoring, and curriculum development. If you’re interested in participating in Catalyst in one of these roles, please complete the short survey linked below.

Common attributes of successful fellows

• Ability to apply logic and critically analyze and synthesize a broad range of source materials
• Ability to differentiate between validated facts and not-yet-validated assumptions, and to ideate a process to validate assumptions
• Willingness to work outside their field of expertise
• Ability to communicate ideas and collaborate with others with different expertise and experience
• Ability to design, create and build new technologies to solve critical problems
• Willingness to “own” your career and your project (rather than depending on direct supervision)
• Ability to receive and synthesize constructive criticism
• A team player willing to fulfill different roles in research projects
• Experience in developing and implementing research proposals
• Be willing to work in a process that is chaotic, creative and free of pre-conceived ideas or pathways

Catalyst Community Values

The Catalyst Program is aligned with MIT’s Values Statement in our commitment to making our community a humane and welcoming place where people from a diverse range of backgrounds can grow and thrive. Because learning is nourished by a diversity of views, we cherish free expression, debate, and dialogue in pursuit of truth – and we commit to using these tools with respect for each other and our community.

Catalyst aims to address equity and intersectionality in biomedical research and innovation in healthcare. Race, ethnicity, age, and sex can impact how different people respond to the same intervention. Diversity of thought and perspectives through the lens of a participant’s background contributes to an enhanced learning experience, improved research and development, and overall better medical interventions.

Our community challenges ourselves to face difficult facts, speak plainly about failings in our systems, and work to overcome them. Valuing potential over pedigree, we know that talent and good ideas can come from anywhere – and we value one another’s contributions in every role.