Harvard Catalyst offers numerous online and in-person courses, as well as training programs ranging from short programs that provide an overview of c/t research to multi-year, advanced programs for senior fellows and faculty members.
The course material is often free for Harvard affiliates, however, courses that offer certificates may require a fee, which is discounted. Some courses may require and application, while others will simply be open to registration. Be sure to visit the webpage for the course you are interested in to learn more information and find out if you are eligible.
Upcoming Course Offerings
Please note the application/registration deadlines and duration for each course. Courses are listed chronologically by deadlines and updated monthly. For the most up-to-date information on course offerings please visit Harvard Catalyst’s webpage.
Format: Hybrid
Fee: FREE
Application Deadline: January 17, 2025
Duration: 6 weeks and 3 online synchronous sessions
Time Commitment: 3-4 hours/week
Description:
Medical Device Development: Advancing from Product to Market (MDD) is a hybrid course that examines the current climate for the development of medical devices.
The course begins with a nine-week online session that includes:
- Case examples featuring real-world critical aspects and challenges in device development
- Key factors in regulatory decision-making
- Techniques for technology valuation and potential sources of funding
- Design best practices for a customizable pitch that delivers non-confidential information to key stakeholders
After laying the foundation in a self-paced, asynchronous, online course, participants will participate in three live virtual sessions with medical device experts.
The course will culminate in an opportunity for participants to travel to Harvard Medical School for a half day event. This event will give participants the opportunity to meet Harvard faculty, interact with medical device companies from around New England, and participate in a pitch competition and network with Boston area medtech professionals.
Click here for more information.
Format: Hybrid
Fee: FREE
Application Deadline: February 9, 2025 5 PM EST
Duration: February-May 2025 (9 weeks)
Time Commitment: Estimated time over 9 weeks: Online (8 hours); Virtual (18 hours)
Description:
How to Design a Clinical Study: Principles and Protocol Development is an opportunity for new clinical investigators who have an idea for the development of a clinical trial to participate in an intensive nine-week course. Participants will learn the fundamentals of clinical trial design, including instructions on how to design a protocol, information on IRB and regulatory topics, and trial implementation. Additional course topics include statistical analysis, budgeting, and data management.
Course faculty, including biostatisticians, will provide personalized guidance to participants in creating a complete protocol suitable for submission to an IRB by the completion of the course. Participants will also engage in peer-to-peer learning, working in small groups to provide and receive feedback on protocols under development. At the conclusion of the course, each participant will deliver an oral presentation about their prepared protocol.
Click here for more information.
Format: Webinar Series
Fee: FREE
Registration Deadline: Registration will open in 2025
Duration:
Session 1: Defining the Work
February 25, 2025 | 12:00pm ET
Session 2: Creating the Plan
February 27, 2025 | 12:00pm ET
Session 3: Finalizing the Plan
March 4, 2025 | 12:00pm ET
Session 4: Panel Discussion
March 6, 2025 | 12:00pm ET
Time Commitment: 1 hour Zoom sessions
Description:
Managing projects is a detailed and systematic process. Yet, the applications of this process vary across disciplines and teams. This webinar series will introduce how to troubleshoot, forecast, and problem solve using project management in various contexts while considering how these elements impact the work of teams. Each of the four independent sessions will be led by David Vincenti, PMP, a certified project management professional. This series will identify the principles of project management and how to apply templates and skills to your work and experiences in team settings. The last session will feature a panel of guest speakers who utilize successful project management strategies in their respective roles and professions. Those without official training in this area will gain skills and confidence in project management during this series.
Click here for more information.
Ongoing Course Offerings
These courses are ongoing. For more information on how to access these courses please visit the webpage for the course.
Today’s translational researcher is uniquely tasked with being a “boundary crosser,” described in this article, The Fundamental Characteristics of a Translational Scientist. They should not only be an expert in their own domain, but also capable of collaborating across research areas and sectors, as well as fostering an inclusive working environment. Whether you are working with a small team or engaging in a large multi-center partnership, your likelihood of success is significantly impacted by your ability to anticipate, navigate, and overcome common barriers to effective collaboration.
This webinar series explores approaches to developing skills in “boundary crossing” by addressing common topics and themes such as building a diverse team, managing your time and projects, resolving conflict, communicating your science, and more.
Click here for more information.
Grant Review and Support Program (GRASP)
The Grant Review and Support Program (GRASP) is a longitudinal program that provides Career Development Award recipients grant-related guidance and support throughout the duration of their award so that they can successfully apply for R01 or equivalent funding. The curriculum is focused on providing participants with grant-writing skills, project management tools/strategies, and mentorship.
The application will require an endorsement from a primary mentor supporting the applicant’s participation in this longitudinal program. Applications for the upcoming cohort have closed.
Applicants must:
- Be a Harvard-affiliated junior faculty clinician/translational-investigator
- Be a recipient of a 4 or 5 year Career Development Award (typically a NIH K grant such as a K23, K08, K07, K01, or K25 or equivalent Career Development Award from a grant-funding organization (such as the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, or U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs))
- Be in the first or second year of their grant
- Agree to actively participate in the mandatory components of the program
- Receive an endorsement from a primary mentor supporting their participation in the program
Eligible investigators are required to complete a program application; however, all participants are accepted if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Accepted participants are eligible to remain in the program throughout the duration of their Career Development Award. They are required to participate in certain components of the program, while other components are optional. Therefore, the time commitment can vary between participants.
Mandatory components:
- Participating in the GRASP orientation workshop
- Participating in the seminar “Planning and Writing Successful Grant Proposals”
- Completing a mentor/mentee expectations form
- Utilizing a participant work plan
- Utilizing work plan mentor support
- Reviewing the Writing and Communication Center Grant Writing Tips
Optional components:
- Participating in specific aims page critique modules
- Participating in ‘hot topic’ modules
- Utilizing faculty office hours
- Utilizing staff office hours
See the GRASP Program Overview [PDF] for more details. The monthly time commitment for the first year averages to about two hours per month, which decreases to about one hour per month in subsequent years.
View a sample timeline [PDF] of program components and support throughout a participant’s five-year Career Development Award.
