Principal investigator eligibility
- Researcher supported by a pediatric research center recognized by the FRQ-S or by another peripheral centre, a university that conducts research involving children and adolescents.
- 10 years or less of experience as an independent researcher.
- The researcher must agree to participate in the PRF’s promotional activities for their project.
- Annual reporting for 5 years based on PRF form.
- Early career researchers without major funding will be given preference for external peer review.
- Commitment to knowledge transfer and advancement.
- Integrates a DEI culture (diversity, equity, inclusion).
Co-investigators
- Can be senior researchers.
- One of the researchers/collaborators must be attached to another university and come from a research center in Quebec other than that of the principal investigator.
- Two of the researchers/collaborators must come from a research center in Quebec other than that of the principal investigator, and at least one of them must be attached to another university.
The project (evaluation criteria)
- 2-year period.
- Funding amount = $60,000 ($30,000 X 2 years) or $45,000 ($22,500 x 2 years).
- Original (new project).
- Structuring (leverage effect of the proposed project).
- Innovative (must be in innovative fields).
- Has impact on children’s health.
- Clear plan for knowledge transfer.
- Must not be funded by an organization outside the research center.
- Has the potential to lead to wider research program.
- Quality of the popularized summary: ability to explain and promote the project for a non-scientific audience or for a donor.
The Innovation Grant will be awarded to a project that meets these criteria and the following:
- Presenting high scientific quality.
- Based on an original idea or a disruptive innovation.
- Having the potential to transform knowledge and stimulate new approaches in pediatric health.
- Allowing the generation of preliminary results establishing proof of concept;
- Having a catalytic effect, promoting access to other sources of financing or the expansion of the project.
Application
- Complete a standardized application form for the competition via the PRF website.
- Obtain a letter of support from the center director or an academic institution.
- Include Curriculum Vitae of the FRQ-S principal investigator with the usual appendices.
The competition is open to all areas of pediatric health sciences, including medicine, social sciences, psychology, education, nursing, nutrition, public health, etc., and all other related disciplines.
Timeline
- Competition – March 16 to May 16, 2026.
- Deadline for electronic submission of the application – May 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
- Announcement of winners – June 2026 (date to be confirmed).
- Presentation of scholarships – with donors – 2026 Quebec Congress on Mother-Child Research – (date to be confirmed).
Evaluation committee
- Dr. Bruno Piedboeuf, President of the PRF Scientific Committee and Director, Reproduction, Maternal and Child Health Research Axis, CHU de Québec
- The committee is composed of reviewers from each of the following 4 research centres: CHU de Québec, CHU de Sherbrooke, CHU Sainte-Justine and McGill University Centre.
Contact:
- For questions about the contest, eligibility rules and for receipt of forms before May 16, 2026 -11:59pm. Contact Sylviane Chatel at schatel@fondationrecherchepediatrique.ca at (514) 882-0700 or Carole Lalande at clalande@fondationrecherchepediatrique.ca at (514) 595-5730 ext. 222.
