Pediatric Outcomes imProvement through COordination of Research Networks (POPCORN)

Overview: POPCORN is a Canadian project started in 2022, with CIHR funding, to improve children's health research. It brings together doctors, researchers, and policy makers to share data and make better decisions, at first about COVID-19 and now, to be prepared for the next pandemic. Achievements: POPCORN has connected the 16 Canadian children's hospitals, with maternal health and their research centres - with national networks. It has created a system to share data and help deploy studies more rapidly for children and pregnant people. Goals: 1.Be Ready for Pandemics: Understand and describe new symptoms and signs when a new infection arises, recruit children for studies, store samples, and study new vaccines. 2.Share Data Easily: Create a system to collect and share data quickly for research and trials. 3.Train Researchers: Work with partners to train new health researchers. 4.Share Knowledge: Make sure research findings reach those who need them. 5.Work Together: Partner with public health agencies and international groups. Impact: POPCORN has produced important data for health policies and published studies on mental health and eating disorders during the pandemic. It is a key resource for children's and maternal health research in Canada. Funding Needs: POPCORN needs more funding to continue its work, including coordinating the network and involving patients and families in research. Conclusion: POPCORN is essential for preparing for future pandemics and improving health research for children and mothers in Canada. Continued support will help it stay effective.