SUPPORT
Not sure where to start?
Whether you’re seeking the right training, funding, resource, or service, PASSERELLE is here to help. We’ll guide you toward the opportunity or resource that best aligns with your needs.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIPS
Supporting Capacity Development in POR
Receiving a fellowship or internship can be a key step in a patient-oriented research journey. These experiences provide opportunities for hands-on learning, community connection, and the development of skills needed to advance research that is inclusive, collaborative, and grounded in patient and public priorities.
PASSERELLE leads and collaborates on several programs that foster:
• Interdisciplinary and partnership-based learning, where emerging researchers work alongside patient partners and research teams.
• Mentorship and guidance, which support the practical application of POR principles across different research contexts.
• Networking and visibility, to highlight the contributions of fellows and encourage peer learning and knowledge sharing.
To explore current fellowship opportunities and learn how each program supports capacity development in POR, consult PASSERELLE’s Fellowship Program Guide and the directory of POR fellowship opportunities across Canada.
ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES
Become a recipient of a POR fellowship
POR-Mitacs Fellowships
Empowers emerging researchers through hands-on, POR projects in partnership with non-academic organizations. Fellows build essential research skills and professional competencies while gaining real-world experience, developing transferable expertise applicable to diverse career paths.
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows across Canada.
Status: applications are open until February 13, 2026.
TUTOR-PHC Patient & Community Engagement in Primary Health Care Research Fellowships
Provide TUTOR-PHC fellows with the opportunity to enhance their POR skills and professional competencies.
Funding is provided by the INSPIRE program, OSSU, and PASSERELLE.
Eligibility: be a TUTOR-PHC trainee
Status: applications are currently closed.
CIHR Fellowship – Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research
A SPOR Priority Announcement within the CIHR Fellowship Award program that embed POR principles and community engagement across diverse health contexts. Fellows receive support from PASSERELLE to strengthen POR skills, competencies, and networks.
Eligibility: postdoctoral candidates applying through the CIHR Fellowship programs
Status: applications for the 2025 competition are closed.
CIHR Doctoral Research Award
A priority announcement within the CIHR Doctoral Research Award program that supports emerging doctoral candidates working in key health-research domains such as POR. Recipients receive support from PASSERELLE to build their POR skills, engage with patient partners and communities, and develop networks.
Eligibility: Doctoral candidates registered in a health-related PhD program who are applying via the CIHR Doctoral Research Award competition
Status: Applications for the 2025 competition are closed.
PAST OPPORTUNITIES
CIHR POR Awards – Transition to Leadership Stream
A major award that supported the career launch of the next generation of patient-oriented researchers and their continued development through substantial funding and supportive connections with leaders of the POR community.
Eligibility: graduate students, postdoctoral fellows
Status: Suspended
Fellows and Alumni
Meet the Future of Patient-Oriented Research
Get to know and connect with the passionate individuals driving change and shaping a more inclusive, responsive, and impactful research landscape.
Let's work together
Co-develop Fellowship Programs
Would you like to create or strengthen a fellowship, internship, or support program in patient-oriented research? PASSERELLE can offer support or be a fully engaged partner for organizations, teams, and collaborators seeking to co-design and implement programs that foster trainees, mentorship, and capacity development in POR across Canada.