The Transforming Autism Care Consortium (TACC) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026-2027 TACC Trainee Co-Leadership Award. Together with returning Trainee Co-Leads, they will contribute to the network’s governance, strategic initiatives, and community partnerships over the coming year.
Meet the 2026–2027 TACC Trainee Co-Leadership Award recipients
New award recipients
PhD, Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University
Science Communication and Training
Returning Trainee Co-Leads
Kelly D’Souza
PhD, Human Development, McGill University
Training, TACC-CanNRT Committee on Inclusive Research Practices
PhD, Psychology – Neuropsychology, UQAM
Knowledge Mobilization and Community Engagement
Selected through a competitive process, new Trainee Co-Leads will work across the TACC team, its partners and members to help advance the network’s priorities while developing practical leadership experience beyond their academic training. Returning Trainee Co-Leads continue to build on their contributions from previous terms, providing continuity and leadership across key areas of the network.
“Developing future leaders requires creating meaningful opportunities for trainees to contribute, learn, and help shape the direction of the network,” says Mayada Elsabbagh, Director of TACC. “Through this program, trainees gain hands-on experience while bringing new perspectives and ideas to our collective work.”
The Trainee Co-Leadership Award provides recognition and mentorship to Master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral trainees across Quebec. By embedding trainees within TACC committees, working groups, and strategic initiatives, the program helps strengthen leadership capacity across the neurodevelopmental research ecosystem while ensuring trainee voices remain part of decision-making processes.