• Overview
• Contacts

The Harvard Catalyst Laboratory for Innovative Translational Technologies (HC-LITT), originally created and located at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, provides the Harvard research community (basic and clinical researchers) with early access to enabling leading-edge genomic and proteomic technologies.

An integral part of Harvard Catalyst, the HC-LITT accelerates the translation of laboratory research in therapeutics and diagnostics into the clinic. The laboratory's 'collaborative research model' is very distinct from the 'traditional core' centers. The HC-LITT model brings together innovative translational technologies (i.e., cell-based imaging, genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, sample preparation, and sequencing) in one location and makes them available to investigators from diverse disciplines who share a common goal of addressing questions with human translational impact.

The HC-LITT is a marketplace for identifying and evaluating new ideas (inventions), innovative approaches, and leading-edge technologies; and fostering entrepreneurship, all with the goal of moving science forward and impacting critical unmet needs of the Harvard research community.

Technology Assessment

To meet its translational goals, HC-LITT has two broad operational functions:

• Benchmarking of methodologies/technologies. Benchmarking provides both the community with an introduction to leading-edge technology and methods creating the environment to test, improve and validate, laying the groundwork for the second function, clinical diagnostic assay/biomarker development. Broadly, benchmarking encompasses the planning phase (with investigators and industry), the acquisition of technologies and the launch of cross-platform evaluation studies.
• Diagnostic assay/biomarker development. This comprises the process from 'proof of principle' to production (Harvard Catalyst Central Laboratories - HCCL).

Technology Identification

Consistent with its sharp focus on translational efforts, the HC-LITT will create an advisory board composed of industry CEOs, CFOs, CSOs, and CTOs; life science investors; and clinical researchers who understand how discovery moves from research lab to the clinic. These advisors will help the HC-LITT community identify the latest relevant technologies around the world. The interaction of these groups, as well as an active effort by HC-LITT to identify opportunities for academic/industry collaborations, will enhance translation of these technologies to real-world use by laying a foundation for early access to cutting edge technology, corporate-sponsored research, SBIR/STTR grants, and even the formation of new companies.

Academic/Industrial Interactions and Events

HC-LITT has created a unique networking and collaborative environment for the Harvard research community and biomedical related industries. The HC-LITT hosts frequent brainstorming sessions, seminars, symposia, and workshops for first-users, experts, and technology enthusiasts from the Harvard research community, including students, fellows, and faculty at Harvard-affiliated academic healthcare centers. These events help establish interdisciplinary cross-fertilization needed in order to solve the difficult problems associated with accelerating biomedical research to impact patients.

Overview of HC-LITT