• Overview

  POPCORN (Pediatric Outcome imProvement through COordination of Research Networks) is pleased to announce a Call for Applications for a one-year funding opportunity for pilot Randomized Trials (RTs), supporting the launch of new Canadian trials and the expansion of existing international trials into Canada.

  This funding opportunity supports the launch of innovative pilot RTs in pediatric and perinatal health which that have the potential to contribute meaningfully to POPCORN’s Purpose and Vision (https://www.popcornpediatrics.ca/). Two different opportunities are available:

  • For the piloting of new Canadian RTs, a maximum of five projects will be selected to receive up to $200,000 in funding.

  • For the expansion of existing international trials to Canada, a maximum of two projects will be selected to receive up to $300,000 in funding.

  Early career researchers and applicants from diverse backgrounds and disciplines are encouraged to apply.

• Eligibility

  To be considered eligible for funding, the proposed study must meet all the following criteria.

  The proposed trial must:

  • Be a pilot randomized trial (RT) designed to evaluate the feasibility of a future larger trial or establish Canadian participation in an international trial.

  • Demonstrate a strong scientific rationale and address an important gap in pediatric and/or perinatal health.

  • Have the potential to generate data suitable for at least one of the following:

    • Inform the design of a larger trial.

    • Support a subsequent granting agency funding application.

  • Include a realistic project timeline, budget, and recruitment plan that can be undertaken within the one-year funding period.

  Eligible Trial Categories

  Application must fall into one of the following categories:

  • New Canadian Trials

    • The proposed study is a new pilot RT that will be conducted in Canada.

    • The pilot should primarily evaluate trial feasibility (e.g., recruitment, retention, intervention delivery, protocol adherence, outcome collection) while generating preliminary data to support a future larger-scale trial.

  • International Trials Expanding into Canada

    • The proposed study is an international RT that does not currently include Canadian sites, or pediatric/maternal population in Canada.

    • Funding will support one or more Canadian sites.

    • Funding use will be in accordance with Tri-Council policies, including potential contribution to the international trial operations.

  Applicant Eligibility

  • The Primary Applicant must:

    • Be a member of POPCORN (see membership policy)

    • Be affiliated with a participating POPCORN site and have the ability to receive funds at this site (https://www.popcornpediatrics.ca/sites)

      • Primary applicants not affiliated to a POPCORN site will be eligible if they list a co-principal investigator who fulfills the criteria

  Additional Considerations for Scoring of Applications

  • Demonstrate collaboration across POPCORN sites, Include meaningful patient and family engagement in study design and conduct

  • Incorporate principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigeneity (EDI-I)

• Funding Details

  Duration: 12 months (March 2027 to March 2028)

  Funding amount:

  • up to $200,000 for new Canadian trials

  • up to $300,000 for the expansion of international trials to Canada

  Note that overhead costs are NOT eligible for this grant. Successful applicants will need to comply with POPCORN’s data sharing policy

• How to Apply

  Submit your complete application package to popcorn@micyrn.ca with the subject line: POPCORN RCT Funding Application – [Your Name].

  You can find the full funding call here.