This page contains answers to common questions about the Innovation Catalyst Fund, providing essential information for individuals and entities interested in the program. Explore the FAQs to understand the fund better and get guidance on application requirements, eligibility criteria, and the selection process
- Are Innovation Catalyst awards limited by school or discipline?
Innovation Catalyst awards programs are available to full-time faculty in all schools and disciplines.
- Are these awards available to faculty at all ranks?
Yes, both full-time junior and senior faculty may apply.
- I am non-tenure-track faculty. Can I apply for Innovation Catalyst Awards?
Yes, you may apply if you are a full-time faculty member at Vanderbilt University or VUMC.
- I have two part-time faculty appointments, or I am a full-time staff member with a part-time faculty appointment. Can I apply for Innovation Catalyst Awards?
No, you must have a full-time, VU-faculty or VUMC-faculty appointment to apply. Should it be appropriate for the project, you may partner with a full-time VU faculty member to serve as the PI. All partners' roles and duties should be explained in the application.
- I am a Research Staff member. Can I apply for Innovation Catalyst Awards?
No, to apply for Innovation Catalyst Awards you must have a full-time, VU-faculty appointment to apply.
- Are these internal award opportunities for individuals or teams?
Applicants with individual or team projects are both welcome to apply.
- I have current Internal Award support (Discovery Grant, TIPs, Seeding, or Scaling), am I eligible to apply for Innovation Catalyst Award funding?
Yes, but your new proposal should not overlap in activity or expenses with your prior award. In addition, all annual reports for your current award must be completed to be eligible for additional funding.
- Who will help me write my proposal?
While CTTC can assist in answering questions and providing guidance, it is the faculty member’s responsibility to write their own proposal.
- Is there a limit to my funding request?
We highly encourage applicants to provide a clear and comprehensive scope of work detailing how the funding will be utilized to support their project. The evaluation process will focus on the effectiveness of the budget, ensuring it is well-justified, based on actual costs, and efficiently allocates resources to align with the project's specific goals.
- Who will be reviewing my proposal?
All applications will be reviewed by members of the Catalyst Fund Review Committee (CFRC). The CFRC is composed of peer faculty and divided into four academic subgroups: Science & Medicine, Social Science, Arts & Humanities, and Engineering. These faculty members were identified as having subject matter expertise in translational research within the areas of Arts & Humanities, Engineering & Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, and/or Bioscience & Healthcare. As a part of your application, you will self-select the best group to which your proposal belongs, and the reviewers will be selected accordingly. As such, you should make your proposal accessible to a general science, general social science, general engineering, or general arts & humanities reader.
- I have more questions that are not answered here. Where can I go to ask these questions?
Please reach out through our Contact Us page! We are happy to help.