Falk Medical Research Trust Catalyst Award 2026 | Research | UW–Madison Skip to main content
University of Wisconsin–Madison

Falk Medical Research Trust Catalyst Award 2026

PostedMarch 12, 2026
To:Chairs and Administrators; Departments in the Biological Sciences; Associate Deans for Research; College/School Research Administrators
From:Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research
Date:March 12, 2026
Subject:Falk Medical Research Trust Catalyst Award 2026

Deadline

Deadline for Internal Review:April 02, 2026

Project Description

The Catalyst Research Award Program provides up to $350,000 in seed funding over one to two years, to support high-risk, high-reward translational research that addresses critical scientific and therapeutic roadblocks and can be transferred to clinical practice in the near term. If successful, these projects will have high impact outcomes that open new avenues for treating, curing, and improving the lives of individuals suffering from disease.

Projects must be responsive to the following areas of research focus:

1. Identification of biological markers of disease activity and progression,
2. Identification of targets for therapeutic interventions, and
3. Development of therapeutic agents that will disrupt, arrest, or prevent the disease process.

The award supports planning and development of projects, teams, tools, techniques, and management necessary to lay the foundation and apply for a subsequent two to three year $1,000,000 Transformational Award.

Amount per Award: Up to $350,000 (inclusive of 10% indirect costs)
Duration of Award: 12-24 months
Number of Awards: The number of Catalyst Awards available will be determined by the Trustee each year, depending on the availability of funds and the merit of the applications received.

 

Eligibility

  • The administrative lead applicant (Principal Investigator) must hold a full-time faculty appointment
  • PIs and multi-PIs must be independent investigator (s) with demonstrated institutional support and the specialized space and facilities needed to conduct the proposed research
  • Applicants and key personnel may not have funding support for a similar project
  • At the time of application, the lead applicant must not currently hold an award from the Catalyst or Transformational programs. Former awardees may apply, but only with a new project that is not related to their previous Falk Catalyst or Transformational award.
  • United States citizenship is not required; visa documentation is not required
  • Each PI may only submit one application

UW-Madison may nominate up to 2 applicants.

Website

The following link contains additional information on the program and specific application instructions:
https://hria.org/grants/falkcap/

Internal Competition Application Instructions

Applications for Internal Review

To submit your application, attach a single PDF to an email to grants@research.wisc.edu.
Please include the following information:

  • Cover page with name, contact information, and title of the project. Please also include a statement confirming that your department chair or dean is aware that a letter of nomination will be required if selected as the UW nominee.
  • CV
  • Research project summary of no more than 4 pages providing a description of how the proposed project meets the goals of the solicitation.

Sponsor Deadlines

Applications are due to Falk Medical Research Trust by June 04, 2026.

Questions?

Contact grants@research.wisc.edu.