The director of CTSI's Catalyst program, June Lee, MD, who is also an associate professor in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine in the UCSF Department of Medicine, offers insights and perspective on her work.
Can you explain the kind of work that CTSI’s Catalyst program is involved in?
The focus of the Catalyst group's work has been to enable and support UCSF investigators engaged in early translational work. For example, our Catalyst Awards program solicits applications, provides detailed gap analyses, and supports researchers with customized pilot funding and expert advice to attract follow-on funding, strategic partnerships or technology licensees. Our Preclinical Consultation and Contract Research Services programs help researchers identify development risks, and match them with pre-screened service providers to efficiently and cost effectively reach key milestones. We are also actively involved in multiple educational programs, including the Graduate Education in Medical Sciences (GEMS) and Masters in Translational Medicine (MTM).
What are some of the big ideas or issues that you see influencing early translational research over the next few years?
Impactful and efficient early translational research is multidisciplinary team science which will require best minds and the right types of expertise and experience from both academia and industry to work together.
The Catalyst Awards program is a unique program at UCSF. Can you explain what makes it different and so important?
It's broadly accepted that catalyzing academic discovery work towards a useful product requires industry engagement. The Catalyst Awards program is unique in that we have been able to leverage the rich bio-ecosystem in the Bay Area to build arguably the most extensive network of industry experts who are committed to enabling the most compelling programs. They do this by engaging deeply and specifically with the programs with high potential to address the key product development challenges and milestones.
What excites you most about doing this kind of work at UCSF?
It’s clear that UCSF is home to some of the most innovative and productive scientists, and that’s very exciting to be a part of. The potential for human impact is tremendous. Also, because we’re located in the Bay Area, we have access to an incredibly active bio-economy with amazing resources and talent for us to tap into.
What are the types of challenges researchers are dealing with in regard to conducting translational research?
There are a number of challenges that researchers are facing. First, funding for truly translational work is scarce. Second, translational work with the team science approach can be misaligned with academic goals and promotional process. Thirdly, some aspects of translational work require infrastructure and expertise not easily accessible at academic institutions.
What are some of the successes you’re most proud of?
I'm most proud of the work of CTSI's Catalyst Awards program, and in particular, how its Catalyst Awards Advisors have become a valued resource to the UCSF translational research community.
When looking ahead, what’s your long-term vision for Catalyst?
We plan to continue to build on the unique strengths of the Catalyst Awards program, while also expanding to address other needs in the early translational research space. Our goal is to enable and support researchers and programs to ensure we are enhancing the value and potential human impact of the great science here at UCSF.
Learn more about the Catalyst Awards program here.
CTSI Spotlight is part of an ongoing series that offers an opportunity for faculty and staff to learn more about the wide range of people who make CTSI's work possible. See all featured faculty and staff.