Increasing capacity for Maternal
and Paediatric Clinical Trials

IMPaCT is a multidisciplinary training platform designed to increase knowledge, skills, and capacity for perinatal and child health trials in Canada.

Who we are

What we do

Open and accessible online learning in perinatal and child health clinical trials to build knowledge

Immersive one-year fellowships to turn ideas into clinical trial grants alongside youth, parent, and academic mentors

Cross-sectoral summit and group based mentorship to expand innovative methods and build capacity

  • "The IMPaCT Clinical Trials Fellowship has been instrumental in shaping my early career as a clinician scientist. Through exceptional mentorship and invaluable tools to design diverse clinical trials, I've gained the confidence and skills to advance my research. The program has also expanded my professional network, leading to crucial collaborations and even securing salary funding, all of which have been essential to my growth and success."

    -IMPaCT Fellow, Cohort 1

  • "After one year of mostly self-paced fellowship, I am equipped with all needed to propose a competitive RCT to CIHR!"

    -IMPaCT Fellow, Cohort 2

  • "IMPaCT has both opened my eyes to the complexity of clinical trials in pediatric/maternal health as well as equipped myself to face these hurdles with a wealth of resources and supports."

    -IMPaCT Fellow, Cohort 2

  • "Despite the challenges of balancing clinical demands, the IMPaCT Fellowship provided invaluable mentorship, structure, and national collaboration that enabled me to advance a clinically important trial question. It has been instrumental in shaping my trajectory as a clinician–scientist in pediatric stroke."

    "-IMPaCT Fellow, Cohort 2

  • "My experience with the IMPaCT Fellowship has been exceptional. I am extremely satisfied with the program as a whole, as it is the most professional and well-executed training initiative I have participated in thus far. The program has provided me with a robust foundation for my career as a clinical trialist. The leadership team's professionalism and the caliber of the curriculum have set a new gold standard for fellowship programs. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to applying these lessons to my future projects"

    -IMPaCT Fellow, Cohort 2

  • "The IMPaCT Fellowship significantly strengthened my clinical trial expertise, expanded my professional network, and contributed meaningfully to my career growth and development."

    -IMPaCT Fellow, Cohort 2

  • "As a postdoctoral research fellow, the IMPaCT program has been instrumental in shaping my development as a clinical trials researcher. The program’s salary support provided dedicated time to engage in high-quality training beyond what was available at my home institution, including expert-led webinars and advanced curricula in perinatal and pediatric clinical trials. Through the fellowship, I gained invaluable hands-on experience by completing a 10-week Family Engagement in Research course, participating in the Canadian Network for Statistical Training in Trials (CANSTAT) annual meeting, and attending the in-person IMPaCT summit. These opportunities allowed me to network with multidisciplinary experts across Canada, fostering collaborations essential for my transition to an independent research career. Over the past year, I also benefited greatly from personalized mentorship by a diverse three-member team, which provided invaluable perspectives on my proposed clinical trial design. Overall, the IMPaCT program has been an unparalleled learning experience, and I strongly advocate for its expansion to support the next generation of clinical trial researchers."

    —IMPaCT Fellow, Cohort 1

  • "Participating in IMPaCT has had a profound impact on my career, as well as my professional and personal development. Through this experience, I have gained valuable knowledge in clinical trials through courses, seminars, and conferences that have broadened my perspective and inspired new ideas for improving research protocols. Additionally, I have had access to training in various topics, such as community engagement, the history of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, and knowledge translation, all of which are essential for conducting impactful research. The program has also deepened my understanding of the Canadian research culture, helping me integrate best practices into my work, an especially valuable experience as a non-Canadian who arrived in the country three years ago. IMPaCT fosters networking opportunities, connecting me with researchers from different provinces and encouraging collaboration and knowledge exchange. The incredible administrative team and dedicated mentors have been instrumental in guiding me through different aspects of the program, always ready to offer support and advice. Overall, this training has been an invaluable experience, shaping my growth in the field of clinical trial research."

    —IMPaCT Fellow, Cohort 1

  • "IMPaCT is a fantastic, immersive program for anyone interested in the design and conduct of clinical trials. Designing and developing a trial proposal, while learning directly from patient partners and experienced mentors, was an incredibly valuable part of the experience. The program offers insights that go far beyond textbook methodology, making it a truly enriching and practical learning opportunity."

    -IMPaCT Fellow, Cohort 2

  • "The IMPaCT Clinical Trials Training Platform has truly transformed how I approach pediatric clinical trials. By providing in-depth, specialized training, paired with mentorship, it has enhanced my ability to design a clinical trial. I now feel more confident and equipped to conduct a clinical trial that is specifically designed to address the unique considerations in pediatrics.”

    —IMPaCT Fellow, Cohort 1

  • "Before joining, I had limited knowledge of trial design or conduct. This program has been transformative for my research, offering new avenues that I never knew existed. I am now witnessing the ripple effect across my organization as we strengthen our capacity and envision the future of trials in our region. I grateful to my IMPaCT mentorship team and the program for this opportunity to learn and grow surrounded by a cohort of incredible people."

    -IMPaCT Fellow, Cohort 2