Catalyst Awards granted to 37 early-career Johns Hopkins researchers

Thirty-seven early-career Johns Hopkins faculty members have been chosen to receive up to $75,000 from the university's new Catalyst Awards program to pursue their research and creative endeavors.

JHU President Ronald J. Daniels announced the Catalyst Awards program earlier this year along with Provost Robert C. Lieberman and the deans and directors of the academic divisions. It is part of a $15 million commitment to faculty-led research over three years.

"The university's leadership is excited to make a substantial investment in these scholars and scientists at a critical moment in their careers when start-up funds and external support can be challenging to secure," Daniels says. "This group possesses a remarkable depth of intellect, creativity, and passion, and it will be thrilling to see their ideas unleashed."

The program is open to any full-time faculty member who was first appointed within the last three to 10 years. The recipients—more than half of whom are assistant professors—come from seven academic divisions and represent a variety of scholarly interests.

They are pursuing research on medical issues that include cancer, HIV, melanoma, sleep disorders, and quality nursing care, as well as projects in astrophysics, climate change, economics, and politics. One recipient will study Canaanite cuneiform texts in Egypt. Another is writing a symphony inspired by Baltimore.

The full list of recipients and their projects is posted on the Office of the Provost website.

Faculty members from across the university served on the committee to select the award recipients from more than 175 submissions. As part of the inaugural Catalyst Awards cohort, the winners will also receive mentoring and connect with peers at a similar stage of their careers.

"We have a wealth of talent among our faculty, whether they work in labs or studios, on city streets or surrounded by nature," Lieberman says. "This program is an important opportunity to nurture their talent and help them take the next steps in their careers."