Project 458407

Children and youth are the promise for a bright future for Canada. Despite this, Canada ranks 30th of 38 affluent nations in indicators of child health and well-being. Therefore, researchers working in areas of perinatal, child and youth health need to understand the challenges Canadian children face, identify best solutions, and implement these solutions at a rapid pace. Researchers also need to be equipped to work in a complex and fast-paced world of science and technology, while understanding existing societal disparities that perpetuate poor health and mental health outcomes in children, youth and families. Our vision is to create a training and mentoring platform to prepare the next generation of Canadian perinatal, child and youth health researchers. We have partnered with academic institutions, research networks and communities across Canada to achieve our vision. With our partners, we will recruit trainees from undergraduate, graduate and post graduate training programs, who are working in the thematic area of research in 'human development, child, youth health' to prepare them for cross-sectoral careers. Platform activities will be composed of 3 distinct training programs: 1) Raising Interdisciplinary Scientist Excellence (RISE) is an open and accessible online learning system that will contain tools and resources for scientist development. 2) The Enrichment Program will offer adaptable small group programs arranged by either health research priorities and/or research methods, designed to provide mentoring, experiential opportunities, community and support. Funding will be provided for Enrichment trainees in the form of salary awards and scholarships. 3) The Illumination Program, available to all trainees, will provide opportunities to network, find mentors and collaborators, and meet potential employers. The platform will prioritize recruitment of underrepresented minorities (Indigenous and Black research trainees) and promote inclusive excellence.