Becoming a POPCORN Member: What It Means & What You’ll Gain

Purpose & Vision

When you join POPCORN (Pediatric Outcome Improvement through Coordination of Research Networks), you become part of a pan‑Canadian research platform uniting researchers, clinicians, patient and family partners, and decision‑makers across 16 pediatric hospitals. Initially launched to support COVID‑19 research, POPCORN has evolved into a sustainable infrastructure for future child and maternal health research. 

    • Access to Grant Awards & Funding
      Members may be invited to participate in funded projects and are eligible to apply for grant awards connected to POPCORN research initiatives.

    • Invitation to Join Projects
      Based on interests and expertise, members receive invitations to collaborate on POPCORN-led studies spanning multiple content pillars (e.g., Infectious Diseases, Inpatient Medicine, Critical Care, Maternal Health, Emergency Medicine, Biobanking).

    • Engage in Your Pillar of Interest
      Choose your area—such as Emergency Medicine (PERC), Inpatient Medicine (PIRN), Critical Care (CCCTG), Maternal Health, Patient Engagement, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion + Indigeneity, or Knowledge Mobilization—and work alongside pillar leads to help shape research projects and agendas.

    • Contribute Your Time & Expertise
      Volunteer your skills to support collaborative research, contribute to working groups, or assist with mentorship, training, and knowledge dissemination across the network.

    • Be Part of a Collaborative Network
      Engage with a nationally coordinated community that brings together diverse stakeholders—clinicians, researchers, patient partners, and health system leaders—to drive pediatric and maternal research impact across Canada.

    POPCORN membership is volunteer-based and does not include financial compensation from the POPCORN team.

    However, in alignment with our commitment to equitable, meaningful, and active partnerships between research teams and those with lived experience, patients and family partners may be eligible for compensation. If you are a person with lived experience and have successfully become a POPCORN member, you may be eligible for compensation for your contributions. To learn more, please contact our Patient Engagement team at michelle.quinlan@sickkids.ca.

    • Structured Participation
      By submitting your CV and qualifications, you’ll be assessed for roles in specific pillars or project teams. Each pillar may invite additional volunteers based on evolving needs.

    • Flexible Engagement
      Members join projects aligned with their expertise and time commitment. Pillars will assess capacity and select members accordingly, offering both lead and supporting roles.

    • Co-Design & Governance Involvement
      As a member, you'll help co-design research studies, share insights, and ensure voice and equity are integral across POPCORN activities.

Why It Matters

By joining POPCORN, you’re helping to build and sustain Canada’s national pediatric and maternal research infrastructure. You’ll be part of shaping research that addresses both acute and long-term child and maternal health challenges—from emergency care and infection surveillance to mental health, system impact, and policy translation—while contributing to a model that integrates patients, families, clinicians, and researchers from coast to coast.

Ready to Apply?

We welcome new members from across Canada. Click the button below to access our online membership application.

Apply to become a Member here!

Thank you for your interest - we look forward to working together!