About Us

For many years pediatric researchers at Lurie Children’s were dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children. Despite their shared mission, they often found themselves working in isolation. Each researcher and study operated within its own silo, which made it challenging to leverage their collective knowledge and expertise. 

Determined to break down these barriers, a group of forward-thinking researchers and physicians came together to form the Catalyst group in 2021. Their vision was clear: to build a service center that would bridge gaps between diverse fields of research and enable collaboration across disciplines. The Catalyst group brought together epidemiologists, social scientists, pediatricians, public health experts, and community organizations to work on interdisciplinary projects aimed at tackling the most pressing issues in pediatric health.

Catalyst’s goals were simple yet profound: break down research silos, foster cross-collaboration, and build a more robust infrastructure for pediatric health. By doing so, they aimed to create lasting, positive changes in children’s health outcomes.

Today, Catalyst continues to be a beacon of collaboration, bridging the gap between research and practice. By breaking down silos and nurturing an interconnected, supportive network of experts, Catalyst is empowering researchers to create transformative change that will benefit generations to come.