⚡ Catalyst [Neurosurgery Wiki]

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===== ⚡ Catalyst =====

A **catalyst** is a person, idea, event, or tool that triggers significant [[change]], [[progress]], or [[disruption]] in a system — without necessarily being consumed or credited in the process.

In academia, a catalyst can spark:
  * A new **line of research**  
  * A **paradigm shift**  
  * Institutional **reform or resistance**  
  * Technological **adoption or backlash**

==== 🔬 Scientific Origin ====
In chemistry, a catalyst is a substance that accelerates a reaction without being consumed. The academic usage is metaphorical — referring to *agents of transformation*.

==== 🧠 In Practice ====
  * A bold paper that redefines a clinical concept (e.g., “frailty” as a predictive metric).
  * A disruptive technology (e.g., large language models in surgical planning).
  * A junior researcher who asks an uncomfortable but necessary question.
  * A controversial idea that forces the system to re-evaluate itself.

==== 💡 Traits of a Catalyst ====
  * Introduces **friction or acceleration**.
  * Often **initially resisted** or ignored.
  * May not **benefit directly** from the changes it triggers.
  * Leaves a **lasting impact** disproportionate to its visibility.

==== 📎 Related Terms ====
  * [[disruption|Disruption]]
  * [[paradigm_shift|Paradigm Shift]]
  * [[originality|Originality]]
  * [[academic_theater|Academic Theater]] ← often resists catalysts
  * [[gatekeeping|Gatekeeping]] ← often blocks catalysts

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**Bottom line**: *A catalyst doesn’t just participate — it provokes. It speeds up the future before the system is ready.*