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 that unites researchers, clinicians, patient and family partners, and decision‑makers across 19 member sites. Initially launched to support COVID‑19 research, POPCORN has evolved into a sustainable infrastructure for future child and maternal health research.
-
Access to in-kind resources
Membership determines who may access POPCORN's in-kind resources, including grant submission support, research support, and infrastructure resources.Funding eligibility
Membership determines who is eligible to apply for POPCORN trainee awards, seed funding calls, and other member-specific opportunities.Brand affiliation
Membership establishes who may use the POPCORN name, logo, and brand affiliation in grant applications, publications, and public communications.Data and resource sharing
Membership may provide opportunities to contribute to and benefit from shared datasets, databanks, tools, repositories, and research infrastructure.Shared data stewardship
Membership reflects participation in the development, enhancement, and responsible use of POPCORN data and related resources, which are central to the network's ability to support high-quality, collaborative research.
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.