RareKids-CAN Open Call: Sponsored American Society for Gene & Cell Therapy - Attendance for Pediatric ATMP Clinical Trial Professionals 

Written By MICYRN

Background 

RareKids-CAN (RKC), in partnership with MICYRN, is advancing Priority 1 of its Strategic Plan, which focuses on strengthening pediatric rare disease clinical trial (PRDCT) and Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) readiness across Canada. This priority includes the development of Canadian-specific tools, resources, and training initiatives to support clinical teams involved in pediatric gene therapy, cell therapy, and antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) clinical trials. 

While these national ATMP-focused resources are actively under development, RKC recognizes the importance of maintaining momentum in workforce development and capacity-building. To ensure that learning and professional growth are not delayed, RKC is leveraging high-quality, established external opportunities, such as the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) Annual Meeting, as a mechanism to support knowledge acquisition and skills development. 

Selected applicants will receive paid registration to virtually (remotely) attend the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) Annual Meeting plus a one-year ASGCT membership subscription - a combined value of approximately $730 CAD. 

This call reflects RKC’s commitment to investing in clinical trial professionals and supporting their engagement with the global ATMP community, while advancing RKC’s longer-term objective of establishing sustainable, Canadian-led ATMP resources and training pathways. 

Purpose: 

Pediatric ATMP trials require highly specialized technical, clinical, and operational expertise that is still emerging across Canada. This sponsorship aims to: 

  • Support professional development and skills-building for clinical teams and study coordinators 

  • Increase access to global knowledge, best practices, and emerging trends in gene and cell therapy 

  • Foster career growth and leadership opportunities for professionals working in this space 

  • Strengthen informal peer networks across Canadian pediatric research institutions and affiliated hospitals 

Application Criteria: 

This opportunity is open to individuals who: 

  • Work as Clinical Trial Navigator for RKC, Clinical Research Coordinators, Clinical Project Managers, Clinical Trial Nurses, Research Pharmacists, Trial Managers, or similar roles 

  • Are actively involved in or planning to support pediatric ATMP clinical trials (gene therapies, cell therapies, and/or ASOs) 

  • Are based at a Canadian pediatric research institution/hospital or academic health centre 

  • Are motivated to grow their expertise and contribute to a learning-oriented national community 

What’s Included 

Selected applicants will receive: 

  • Full sponsorship for virtual registration to the ASGCT Annual Meeting (May 11-15, 2026) 

  • One year membership subscription to ASGCT 

  • Informal engagement with a Canadian network of ATMP clinical trial professionals 

  • A platform to translate learnings from ASGCT into shared insights that benefit the broader community 

Participant Expectations 

In exchange for sponsorship, selected participants will be asked to: 

  • Attend key ASGCT Annual Meeting sessions relevant to pediatric ATMP clinical trials 

  • Share key takeaways, lessons learned, or emerging themes with RKC (e.g., short written reflection or discussion) 

  • Engage in follow-up conversations and development of materials aimed at supporting professional growth and collective learning in this space  

How to Apply 

Interested applicants should submit a short application including: 

  • Name, role, and pediatric research institution/hospital or academic health centre 

  • Brief description of experience with pediatric ATMP clinical trials or future involvement in ATMP trials 

  • Statement of interest outlining how ASGCT attendance would support your professional development 

  • Interest in contributing to peer learning following the meeting and joining RKC’s mission to improve ATMP trial readiness in Canada 

  • Applications must include a brief statement of support from the applicant’s supervisor confirming awareness of the application and support for the applicant’s participation and ability to meet the expectations of this opportunity 

Applications should be submitted by February 12th, 2026 at 9AM PST to Catherine Strandt, DMSc

MICYRN
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