The Research Training Centre coordinates all research training opportunities at The Hospital for Sick Children, including the disbursement of funds. The Centre's activities and goals include the expansion of research and education training, establishing training guidelines and assessment, increasing the funding for research training, maintaining a comprehensive database of all HSC research trainees, and advocating the importance of research training. The Centre's activities are managed by the Research Training Centre Committee, which is comprised of representatives from various academic training programs throughout the Hospital, in addition to representatives from Public Affairs and The Hospital for Sick Children Foundation. Stipend competitions are adjudicated by qualified HSC Research Institute Scientists or Associate Scientists, or by cross-appointed senior staff members from the appropriate Hospital department. Stipend competitions provide salary support for a specific period, ranging from 12 weeks to four years.
All funding is awarded by competition based on criteria of excellence designed for each program.
Proof of simultaneous application to external sources is required. Research trainees must be supervised by a Scientist or Associate Scientist of HSC to be eligible for stipend support. All trainees doing research work at HSC must register with the RTC , whether or not they wish to apply for a stipend. The program is designed to instruct clinicians in the intricacies of research and equip them with the skills needed to function in the future as independent scientists. A commitment of 80 per cent time to research is required.