Request for Proposals: Catalyst Research Grant Program (US)

The American Lung Association Catalyst Grant Program supports early-career investigators conducting innovative research on lung disease mechanisms and general lung biology. The programme provides up to $100,000 over two years to help promising researchers develop independence through mentored research, advanced technologies, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

About the American Lung Association Catalyst Grant Program

The American Lung Association Catalyst Grant Program is a research funding opportunity designed to support outstanding investigators who are transitioning toward independent research careers in lung science.

The programme focuses on advancing research related to:

Lung disease mechanisms.
General lung biology.
Innovative approaches to understanding respiratory health.
Development of future leaders in pulmonary research.

The grant helps early-career researchers build strong research experience, develop scientific independence, and establish a foundation for future competitive research funding.

Purpose of the Catalyst Grant

The main objective of the programme is to support investigators who demonstrate strong potential to become independent researchers in lung disease research.

The grant encourages research projects that:

Address important questions in lung biology.
Introduce innovative research methods.
Use advanced scientific technologies.
Develop multidisciplinary research skills.
Provide strong mentoring and professional development opportunities.

Research Areas Supported

The programme supports research focused on:

Lung Disease Mechanisms

Projects may investigate:

Causes and progression of lung diseases.
Biological pathways involved in respiratory disorders.
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of lung disease.

General Lung Biology

Research may explore:

Normal lung function.
Lung development.
Respiratory system biology.
Biological processes affecting lung health.

Innovative Research Approaches

Priority is given to projects that:

Use novel research designs.
Apply advanced technologies.
Introduce creative scientific methods.
Provide new insights into lung diseases.

Multidisciplinary Research Training

Successful projects should include:

Collaborative research approaches.
Mentoring plans.
Skill development opportunities.
Training activities that support career growth.

Funding Information

The Catalyst Grant provides:

Funding amount: $50,000 per year
Duration: Up to 2 years
Maximum total award: $100,000

Funding is provided annually and depends on progress review.

The second year of funding requires:

Satisfactory research progress.
Continued compliance with grant requirements.

Allowable Expenses

Grant funds may support:

Research personnel salary costs.
Fringe benefits for eligible personnel.
Research-related expenses.

The funds cannot be used to support the applicant’s own salary.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet specific early-career researcher requirements.

Eligible applicants include:

Postdoctoral Fellows with PhD degrees.
Medical Fellows.
Early-career investigators completing mentored research training.

Applicants must:

Hold a relevant doctoral degree.
Be affiliated with an eligible institution.
Be progressing toward research independence.
Not have previously received major career-development awards.

Required Academic Qualifications

Applicants must hold one of the following or equivalent degrees:

PhD.
DSc.
MD.
DO.
Other relevant doctoral-level qualifications.

Medical Researcher Requirements

MD or DO applicants must:

Complete two years of research training after receiving their terminal degree.
Begin the award after meeting the required research experience.

Career Stage Requirements

The programme is intended for investigators who have not yet received career-development awards such as:

NIH K08.
NIH K23.
NIH K99.
Similar independent career-development awards.

Institutional Eligibility Requirements

The applicant’s institution must be:

Located in the United States.
A non-profit organisation.
Dedicated exclusively to scientific and educational purposes.

Eligible institutions include:

Non-profit colleges and universities.
Domestic non-profit scientific research organisations.
Academic research institutions.

Employment Requirements

Applicants must:

Be authorised to work in the United States.
Have institutional confirmation that employment will continue throughout the grant period.

The institution’s Signing Official must certify continued employment.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following applicants are not eligible:

Medical residents.
Current degree programme students.
Graduate students.
Established investigators.
Researchers with senior academic positions.

Established Investigators Not Eligible

Applicants may be considered established investigators if they:

Hold professor or associate professor positions.
Have received major investigator awards such as NIH R01.
Have received Veterans Administration Merit Review awards.
Have a national reputation in their research field.

How the Grant Works

The Catalyst Grant supports researchers through a structured development pathway.

Step 1: Develop an Innovative Research Proposal

Applicants should design research focused on:

Lung disease mechanisms.
Lung biology.
Novel scientific questions.

Step 2: Create a Mentoring and Training Plan

The proposal should explain:

Research mentoring structure.
Skills development.
Career progression strategy.

Step 3: Demonstrate Pathway Toward Independence

Applicants must explain how the project will help them:

Build research expertise.
Develop scientific leadership.
Become independent investigators.

Step 4: Conduct Research and Report Progress

Funding continues into the second year only after:

Annual review.
Successful progress evaluation.

Application Requirements

Applicants should prepare:

Research proposal.
Career development plan.
Mentoring strategy.
Institutional information.
Evidence of eligibility.
Research experience documentation.

The proposal should clearly explain:

Scientific importance.
Innovation.
Research methods.
Expected outcomes.
Career impact.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Early-career researchers often face challenges in securing independent research funding.

The Catalyst Grant helps by:

Supporting emerging lung researchers.
Encouraging innovative respiratory science.
Developing future leaders in pulmonary medicine.
Providing resources for high-impact research.

The programme strengthens the pipeline of scientists working to understand and treat lung diseases.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

Focus on a clear and important lung research question.
Highlight innovation and scientific impact.
Explain how technology strengthens the research.
Provide a strong mentoring plan.
Demonstrate long-term career goals.
Show how the project supports research independence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Proposing research outside lung biology or lung disease mechanisms.
Failing to explain career development benefits.
Providing weak mentoring plans.
Applying despite eligibility restrictions.
Describing only existing research without innovation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the American Lung Association Catalyst Grant?

It is a research funding programme supporting early-career investigators studying lung disease mechanisms and lung biology.

How much funding is available?

The grant provides $50,000 annually for up to two years, with a maximum award of $100,000.

Who can apply for this grant?

Eligible applicants include PhD postdoctoral fellows and medical fellows conducting mentored lung research.

Can established professors apply?

No. Established investigators, including professors and researchers with major independent awards, are not eligible.

What type of research is supported?

The programme supports research on lung disease mechanisms, lung biology, innovative technologies, and multidisciplinary approaches.

Can grant funds support personnel salaries?

Yes. Funds may support salary and fringe benefits for eligible research personnel other than the applicant.

Where must the research institution be located?

The institution must be a non-profit scientific or educational organisation located in the United States.

Conclusion

The American Lung Association Catalyst Grant Program provides valuable support for early-career lung researchers working toward scientific independence. By funding innovative research, advanced technologies, and strong mentorship, the programme helps develop the next generation of investigators focused on improving understanding and treatment of lung diseases.