Call for Self-Nominations: 2026 Canadian Breast Cancer Innovative Investigator-Initiated Clinical Trials Championship
Timeline:
- Self-Nominations Open June 15, 2026
- Self-Nominations Due September 15, 2026
- Notice of Decision October 15, 2026
- Grant Announcement Oct 23-27, 2026
- BCC Event date TBC
- Funding Start December 31, 2026
Breast Cancer Canada has joined forces with the McPeak-Sirois Group to offer a collaborative national initiative grant focused on spotlighting investigator-initiated clinical research excellence in breast cancer. The Canadian Breast Cancer Investigator-Initiated Clinical Trials Championship is designed to recognize and reward innovative clinical trials across Canada, and elevate the visibility of clinical research team contributions. There is a one-time grant of $10,000 CAD available to support Canadian research teams that are driving progress and patient engagement in breast cancer clinical research.
Eligibility:
Participation is voluntary. Investigators or research coordinators/nurses may nominate themselves and their innovative IIT clinical trial conducted at their site. Applicant sites must meet the following baseline guidelines to participate:
- Be a clinical site or research team located in Canada.
- Be actively recruiting or preparing to launch an investigator-initiated breast cancer clinical trial (academic or industry-sponsored but not industry managed).
- Be willing to share standard, validated trial data (including FSI dates, accrual numbers, and project abstracts).
- Designate a core research coordinator contact.
- Agree to be publicly listed as a participant on both partner websites and consent to selected results being promoted via communications channels.
- Projects initiated in 2024 and onward will be considered. There is no limit to the number of IIT clinical trials a site may enter.
- Research must be conducted in Canada.
Award Prize & Structure:
One award of $10,000 CAD will be presented. The winning investigator and associated research institute will have the flexibility to utilize their grant in one of two formats:
- Full Scholarship: A grant to send their designated research coordinator/nurse to attend a major, recognized annual scientific or medical meeting (e.g., ASCO, ESMO, or SABCS), with travel and registration covered up to a maximum of $10,000 CAD.
- Institutional Grant: A $10,000 CAD direct award to the research center of the institution to support localized professional development, workflow efficiency, and clinical research capacity. (Prior approval is required on the project to be funded.)
Governance & Review Process:
Nominees are to complete and submit the application form (see below).
An Independent National Review Committee will evaluate all program submissions. Co-chaired by Breast Cancer Canada and the McPeak-Sirois Group, this multi-disciplinary framework is composed of:
- A patient advocate / representative
- A clinical trial operations lead
- An academic or research representative
- Clinical research scientists
- A translational research scientist
Note: Special evaluation consideration is given to submission structures that integrate patient-reported outcomes (PROs), improve trial access for underrepresented or rural populations, or incorporate patient feedback directly into the IIT clinical trial protocol.
- Email nominations to research@breastcancerprogress.ca
- Attach nomination form to email
