Onboarding & Training
Orientation in pancreatic cancer epidemiology, policy frameworks, and research methodologies.
The Heather Cutler Foundation · The Advocacy Lab · Program
Pancreatic Cancer Policy Builders of Tomorrow
A national policy audit and training initiative from The Advocacy Lab at The Heather Cutler Foundation. The program engages a select cohort of Canadian post-secondary students to critically examine systemic gaps in pancreatic cancer care, focusing on clinical trial access, biomarker testing, and interprovincial health equity.
Status: CompletedSummer 2025 cohortCanada-wide, fully online
7student researchers in the Summer 2025 cohort, from Memorial University
13provinces and territories whose pancreatic cancer policies and care frameworks were audited
8categories graded on the public evidence — strategy, testing, drug costs, trials, timely care, travel, workforce and research
3 monthsJune–August 2025, delivered virtually to a Canada-wide cohort
What the program set out to do
- 1
Conduct a comprehensive, evidence-based audit of national and provincial pancreatic cancer policies and care delivery frameworks.
- 2
Identify and analyze disparities in access to clinical trials and biomarker testing across Canada.
- 3
Map jurisdictional differences and highlight best practices and urgent gaps within the healthcare system.
- 4
Produce and publicly disseminate a national report featuring actionable policy recommendations.
- 5
Present findings directly to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health and key sector stakeholders.
- 6
Advance the next generation of health policy leaders through robust mentorship and interdisciplinary training.
How the program ran
Policy Research & Audit
Teams conduct rigorous policy reviews, data analysis, and comparative studies across jurisdictions.
Mentorship & Review
Participants receive structured, phase-based feedback from professionals in health research, public policy, and advocacy.
Stakeholder Speaker Series
Engagement with leading experts from organizations such as CanReview, Pancreatic Cancer Canada, and Cancer Action Now.
Report Drafting
Collaborative authorship of a national audit report with clear, evidence-based recommendations.
Parliamentary Presentation
Formal presentation of research findings to federal policymakers and dissemination to non-profit and health sector audiences.
What it produced
Open-access National Audit Report
Detailed findings and recommendations addressing systemic barriers in pancreatic cancer care.
Stakeholder Maps and Dashboards
Visual tools illustrating policy, access, and equity gaps across Canada.
Targeted Policy Briefs
Concise recommendations for legislators and decision-makers.
Presentation to Parliament
Direct engagement with the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health.
Researched by Memorial University students — the Summer 2025 cohort
Arafa Hossain
Charlotte Campbell
Grace Fitzgerald
Rayah Vokey
Seriman Doumbia
Chaturrvi Maruthireddy
Kimia RezaeinejadProgram outcomes
- Greater youth engagement and capacity in national cancer policy and advocacy.
- Heightened awareness among policymakers, researchers, and practitioners regarding disparities in trial and biomarker access.
- A scalable model for community-based, youth-led health policy audits.
- Broad dissemination of findings to government, academic, and non-profit partners.
- Enhanced research, analysis, and communication skills for all participants.
Innovative approaches & AI integration
The Advocacy Lab is committed to pioneering new models for health policy research and advocacy. The program incorporates innovative methodologies, including the strategic use of advanced AI tools for literature review, data analysis, and collaborative research. Participants are encouraged to adopt and experiment with these AI platforms to efficiently synthesize complex health policy information, identify emerging trends, and generate high-impact, evidence-based recommendations. This emphasis on technological fluency ensures students are equipped with cutting-edge skills that reflect current and future best practices in policy development and advocacy.
Who should apply?
The Summer 2025 cohort is complete. Future programming will expand to offer annual summer cohorts with increased intake, providing opportunities for a greater number of students to participate each year.
- Highly motivated students enrolled in Canadian universities and colleges (all academic disciplines eligible).
- Candidates with demonstrated interest or background in health policy, public health, biomedical sciences, political science, law, or advocacy.
- Individuals committed to health equity, systems change, and evidence-informed policy development.
Foundation background
The Heather Cutler Foundation is a national, volunteer-led organization dedicated to advancing outcomes for Canadians affected by pancreatic cancer. The Foundation’s work encompasses public engagement campaigns, community-led research, grassroots advocacy, and coalition-building. As a member of the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition and Cancer Action Now, the Foundation leverages local and global networks to drive evidence-informed policy change and improved patient outcomes.
Pancreatic Cancer Policy Builders of Tomorrow is the flagship initiative of The Advocacy Lab at The Heather Cutler Foundation. This approach will enhance national reach and continue to strengthen Canada’s network of youth health policy leaders, amplifying the Foundation’s evidence-informed advocacy efforts for systemic change.
DurationJune–August 2025 (three months, virtual format)
LocationCanada-wide (fully online)
Led byFoundation staff and cross-sector mentors
Advancing health equity and systemic change in pancreatic cancer care through rigorous policy research, technological innovation, and youth leadership.
Contact & further information: info@heathercutler.ca · Detailed program description, eligibility criteria, and application details available online.