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

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

• 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.

• 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.

• Disruption
• Paradigm Shift
• Originality
• Academic Theater ← often resists catalysts
• Gatekeeping ← often blocks catalysts

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