We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Crystal Acosta has been selected as a recipient of the 2025–26 IMPaCT Training Award, securing $50,000 CAD in funding to support her training in clinical trials focused on pediatric cannabinoid therapeutics. This award recognizes researchers with novel clinical trial proposals that align with IMPaCT’s priority areas in perinatal and child health.
IMPaCT (Increasing capacity for Maternal and Pediatric Clinical Trials) is a nationally funded training platform supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). The initiative is designed to build Canada’s next generation of clinical trial experts by providing immersive, hands-on training and mentorship. Dr. Acosta’s award is co-funded by The Canadian Collaborative for Childhood Cannabinoid Therapeutics (C4T), an organization dedicated to advancing safe and effective cannabinoid treatments for children.
As part of her fellowship, Dr. Acosta will participate in an intensive one-year training experience focused on clinical trial methodology. She will be mentored by leading experts in the field, including Dr. Lauren Kelly (University of Manitoba) and Dr. Daniel Morgenstern (University of Toronto), along with support from a dedicated community partner.
Dr. Acosta’s proposed clinical trial project, “Cannabidiol for Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy and Cognitive Dysfunction in Pediatric Cancer Patients,” explores the potential of cannabidiol (CBD) to alleviate long-term side effects faced by children undergoing cancer treatment, with the goal of improving their quality of life. Her broader mission is to help shape a new generation of cannabinoid-based therapeutics that advance interventions in pediatric care.
Currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at the St. Boniface Albrechtsen Research Centre and lecturer at the University of Manitoba, Dr. Acosta brings over a decade of interdisciplinary research experience in neurobiology, cardiovascular biology, and pharmacology. Her passion lies in understanding complex biological systems and exploring the therapeutic potential of naturally occurring substances—including cannabinoids, hemp, and stilbenoids.
Dr. Acosta will join fellow awardees and mentors at the 2025 IMPaCT Summit in Toronto this November, where she’ll participate in collaborative workshops, networking, and professional development sessions.
Congratulations, Dr. Acosta, on this well-deserved recognition! Your work continues to inspire and push the boundaries of pediatric cannabinoid research.