2021 Graduate Fellowship in
Patient-Oriented Research

Request for Applications

Patient-oriented research (POR) is a cornerstone of evidence-informed health care. Through POR, prioritized research objectives are determined in collaboration with patients and/or family caregivers (i.e. patient-partners) and geared towards clinical integration so as to deliver high quality and cost-effective care.

We are excited to launch the 2021 CHILD-BRIGHT Graduate Fellowship Award in Patient-Oriented Research to support innovative projects.

The competition aims to enhance the training experience of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who are engaged with POR projects focused on brain-based developmental disabilities in children. The funding support is meant to enrich current POR practices or augment the research project in a way to increase patient engagement throughout the process. Applications are open to all graduate-level trainees and postdoctoral fellows who wish to develop or participate in a POR project focused on neurodevelopmental disabilities. It is expected that successful applicants will be conducting research which involves significant POR elements and aims to ultimately better translate biomedical research into clinical practice.

For 2021-22 a total of $50,000 in funds are available, with the expectation that successful applicants can request up to $10,000 of financial support for a project that is to be completed within 18-24 months.

Applicant Requirements:

• Applicant is a graduate student (Master’s or Doctoral level) or postdoctoral fellow at a Canadian post-secondary institution, who is, or aims to be, involved in a patient-oriented research project.

• The proposed research project addresses a specific pediatric brain-based developmental condition and is focused on engaging with patients and/or families as partners throughout the research process.

• Applicant must currently have adequate funding to support an annual stipend (e.g. PI support, institutional awards, or Tri-Council Graduate Scholarships, etc.).

Application Requirements:

• Application Package that includes:

  • Applicant’s Case for Funding

  • Research project description

  • Proposed budget detailing how the funds will be spent.

• Two reference letters:

  • One from your current or intended supervisor, detailing why you would be a good fit for this funding, and

  • One from a previous research supervisor, past or present employer, past or present volunteer supervisor, or academic professor who can comment on your research and personal abilities.

• CV that includes the following sections, if applicable:

  • Education and training

  • Awards and scholarships

  • Peer-reviewed publications and poster/oral presentations

  • Other relevant experience.

• Post-secondary transcripts (unofficial copies will suffice).

Funding Conditions:

• This is a one-time funding award that can be applied to a multi-year proposal (18-24 months).

• This funding opportunity is meant to enhance the applicant’s learning experience in POR. It is not meant to offset the PI’s financial commitment to the applicant. These funds can be used for a minimal stipend “top-up” (up to 30% of total award), knowledge acquisition/translation/dissemination activities (including travel), and support for patient engagement activities.

• Successful applicants will be expected to participate in at least one activity related to CHILD-BRIGHT’s Training Program. This can include:

  • Attending/facilitating webinar sessions (e.g. Summer Studentship Training Program, CHILD-BRIGHT Learning Series, patient-oriented research discussions, etc.)

  • Participating in coaching and mentoring opportunities within the CHILD-BRIGHT Network

  • Presenting research findings at CHILD-BRIGHT’s annual meeting

  • Contributing to the Training Committee by providing input on POR capacity-building initiatives.

• Successful applicants need to submit a written progress report to the Training Program at least twice throughout the funding period and the subsequent year.

If interested in applying, please download the application package and submit it through our online submission form by September 5, 2021.

For any further inquiries, please contact pierre.zwiegers@child-bright.ca.