Trainee and Early-Career Researcher Mentoring Program
Supporting the next generation of women’s cardiovascular health researchers.

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LEARN (Learning, Experience, Advice, Research, and Networking): This two-year training and mentoring program is designed to equip trainees and early career researchers with the confidence and skills to integrate sex- and gender-based analysis plus (SGBA Plus) into cardiovascular health research. With the guidance of their mentors, participants will develop the tools and mindset needed to advance both their personal and professional growth. 

LEARN was developed in response to the recommendations in Chapter 8 of the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Alliance ATLAS on the Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Cardiovascular Disease in Women, which identifies key knowledge gaps and the current state of existing research programs in Canada. 

Important Dates

Applications open:   December 2, 2024
Deadline:   January 24, 2025 (at 11:59 PM EST)
Notifications sent via email:   February 7, 2025

First Cohort: April 2025 - March 2027

Program Overview

This 2-year program is structured in three phases:

Phase 1: Education

Format: Webinars every 2 months througout the two years. 

In this phase, participants will attend bi-monthly webinars designed to integrate considerations of sex and gender into every stage of the research process—design, data collection, analysis, and dissemination.

Participants  will develop skills to critically examine how sex and gender interact with social, cultural, and historical contexts to shape research findings. Additionally, participants will gain an understanding of the ethical importance of incorporating diverse perspectives and will be equipped to implement inclusive research practices early in their careers.

Phase 2: Mentorship

Format: 6-months, 1:1 (one-to-one) mentorship matching 

Participants will be paired with a mentor for a 6-month term, where they will receive personalized guidance and support in both personal and professional development.

Through regular interactions, mentors will provide advice, encouragement, and insights to help participants navigate research challenges and career planning. This mentorship aims to build confidence, enhance research skills, foster self-awareness, and offer constructive feedback, empowering participants to achieve their goals.

Phase 3: Research Project

Format: 6-9 month placement with a Principal Investigator (virtual and in-person)

The final phase offers participants hands-on experience in a real-world research setting. Over the course of 6 to 9 months, participants will collaborate with an experienced Principal Investigator (PI) on a research project, applying academic knowledge to practical situations. This immersive experience includes a funded in-person component, negotiated between the participant and their mentor (such as a one-week onsite visit or regular visits to a local university lab).

Participants will engage in various aspects of research—such as data collection, analysis, and interpretation—allowing them to gain critical thinking skills and deepen their understanding of research methodologies. This phase also provides valuable networking opportunities and the chance to contribute to meaningful, cutting-edge research.

Note: The mentor during this phase may differ from the mentor in Phase 2.

2- Year Program Schedule at a Glance

Year 1 (April 2025 - March 2026)

Year 2 (April 2026 - March 2027)

Eligibility Criteria

 
Membership Requirement:

You must be currently residing in Canada and a member of the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Alliance (CWHHA).
Not a member? Join us!

Trainee Eligibility:

A trainee includes individuals in the following categories:

  • MSc, PhD, post-doctoral fellows, medical students, residents, and clinical fellows enrolled in an academic program at a Canadian institution. 
  • An individual actively involved in research under the formal supervision of an independent researcher.

Examples: 

    • Graduate students conducting research at academic institutions.
    • Post-health professional degree fellows (e.g., nursing, physiotherapy, medicine, dentistry) at Canadian academic institutions. 
Early Career Researcher (ECR) Eligibility:

An early career researcher is someone who, at the time of application, has held their first independent, research-related appointment for no more than five years.

  • The date of the first appointment will be based on the date listed in the Common CV under "Employment."

Given that early career researchers may face unique challenges, the CWHHA committee allows for adjustments to the eligibility window for certain circumstances:

  • Eligible Leaves (e.g., maternity, parental, medical, family medical, bereavement): These leaves will extend the ECR eligibility window. The time taken for these leaves will be credited as twice the amount of time taken.
  • Ineligible Leaves: Professional leaves (e.g., training, sabbatical, administrative) do not extend the eligibility period.
  • Non-Research Activities: Time spent on non-research-related duties or career activities will not be counted toward the eligibility window.

If you have any questions or need clarification about your eligibility, please feel free to contact us directly at [email protected].

Funding Support

 

Participation in this 2-year program is free of charge. The following support will be provided to all participants:

  • Travel and Accommodation: Covered expenses for attending the in-person kick-off session on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at the Rogers Centre in Ottawa, Ontario.
  • Complimentary Registration: Free registration for the 2025 Canadian Women’s Heart Health Summit, taking place from April 25-26, 2025.
  • Travel and Accommodation for Research Project: Funding for travel and accommodation during the 1-week, in-person placement (or equivalent) with your assigned mentor at their academic institution, part of the Research Project phase.

This support is designed to help you fully engage with the program and gain valuable hands-on experience.

Evaluation Criteria

 

Applications for the CWHHA LEARN Program will be evaluated by the Program Review Committee based on the following criteria:

  1. Eligibility Criteria: Applicant must meet the specified eligibility requirements.
  2. Cover Letter (1-page): The cover letter should outline the applicant's career aspirations in sex and gender research and women's cardiovascular health and include the following:
    • Application Statement: Provide a statement explaining why this training and mentorship program is important to you, why it is the right time for you to participate, and your short-term and long-term career goals.
    • Research Interests and Current Projects: Describe areas of research interest, ongoing projects, and any relevant collaborations.
    • List of Potential Mentors: Include a list of mentors you are interested in working with during the program.
  3. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Upload a CV (maximum 3 pages) highlighting your experience in women’s cardiovascular health.
  4. Reference Letters: Submit 1-2 reference letters, one of which must be from your direct supervisor.

These criteria will help the review committee assess your suitability for the program and your potential to benefit from this training and mentorship.

Application Process

Submit an application

To apply, please submit the following documents via the Submission Portal by January 24, 2025:

  • Cover Letter: 1- page
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV): Up to 3 pages
  • Reference Letters: up to 2 letters

Notifications of acceptance will be sent out via email on February 7, 2025.

Be sure to submit your application by the deadline for consideration in the program.