TEDDY KIDS Network take center stage at the iCAN 2025 Summit: innovation, participation, and co-creation
In a dynamic and highly engaging day the youth of the TEDDY KIDS Network took the spotlight at the international iCAN 2025 Summit, an event dedicated to clinical research innovation, active youth engagement, family support and co-creation of educational tools.
The day began with the symbolic iCAN Book and Button Activity, a creative icebreaker encouraging self-expression and connection among participants. This was followed by a moving testimony from a young iCAN member. The morning continued with an inspiring session led by Aaron Horowitz (Empath Labs) on empathetic design to improve the experience of clinical trial participants.
Next, the new iCAN programs were introduced, and the youth explored the exhibit tables before breaking into small international groups (“pods”) to connect and begin collaborative activities. Meanwhile, a dedicated session for adults and caregivers featured impactful talks by Jen Degl, Deb Discenza, and Phyllis Kennel.
At 11:00 AM, KIDS Canada-Français introduced the “Activity of the Week”, followed by the poster session, where chapters from KIDS Illinois, Connecticut, Ohio, and Walter Payton presented their impressive projects.
In the afternoon, youth participants joined the iCAN chapter leadership meeting, led by Leanne West, open also to future leaders. The following multidisciplinary session, “From Molecule to Medicine”, offered valuable insight into the active role young people can play in clinical research.
The day wrapped up with an engaging clinical research trivia game led by Mitch Herndon (UCB), and a hands-on design thinking workshop on education, facilitated by Kathy Malas (Professor and executive at the Montréal West Island Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre – CIUSSS).
A truly enriching experience that reaffirmed the importance of listening to young voices and actively involving them in shaping the future of medicine.
Stay tuned to follow the progress and highlights of the upcoming days at the iCAN Summit 2025!
