Frontiers for Young Minds (FYM) is an award-winning science journal that makes cutting-edge research accessible to youth aged 8 -15 by involving them directly in the peer review process; articles are written for a young audience, reviewed by young readers, and guided by science mentors to ensure clarity, engagement, and relevance.

ACCESS in partnership with FYM are launching a Special Collection focused on pediatric cancer research and care. This initiative will bridge the gap between research and young people directly or indirectly affected by cancer, making science child-friendly, empowering, and inclusive.

 

 To develop this Special Collection, we are seeking,

1. Research articles to engage young readers
2. Young Reviewers who have been affected by pediatric cancer, interested in science willing to shape content by reviewing articles
3. Passionate scientists as Science Mentors willing to guide Young Reviewers through the scientific review process.

 

Research Articles

Submitting an article to the ACCESS Special Collection is a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful knowledge exchange, dissemination, and translation.

This Special Collection aims to bring pediatric cancer research and care to life for young readers, especially those directly impacted by cancer by empowering them to participate in the scientific process. This work can help bridge the gap between complex science and real-world understanding, fostering critical thinking, curiosity, and healing beyond the hospital setting.

By transforming research articles into youth-accessible language, we aim to help children and teens find meaning in their own experiences — shifting their role from passive recipients of care to active contributors in science. This builds confidence, cultivates inquiry, and encourages personal reflection, making research not only informative but transformative.

Do you have an article that has been published or is currently in-press that you would like to propose being rewritten in non-technical, child-friendly language for inclusion in the special ACCESS collection in the Frontiers for Young Minds journal? 

Submit your research articles here.

Deadline: June 15, 2025

 

Young Reviewer

Young reviewers bring fresh, curious perspectives that help ensure scientific content is clear, engaging, and meaningful for youth audiences. Their lived experiences, especially in the pediatric cancer community, add valuable insight, making science more inclusive, empowering, and relevant to those it most directly impacts.

Who Can Participate as a Young Reviewer?

• Youth ages 8 to 15 with parental consent – priority will be given to pediatric cancer patients and survivors, siblings, friends, or classmates of those affected by cancer, and bereaved siblings.
• Two Young Reviewers from each Canadian region – British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic Canada (NB, NL, NS, PEI), and the Northern Territories (YT, NT, NU).
• Approximate time commitment for 4 hours which includes reading the article, participating in discussions with their mentor, and contributing feedback for the final publication.

Support from the Project Officer

• A designated Project Officer will be available to answer questions from prospective Young Reviewers or their caregivers and offer step-by-step guidance through the application and review process.

Mentorship and Recognition

• Each Young Reviewer will be matched with a trained Science Mentor who will guide them through understanding the article.
• Contributions will be recognized in the final publication using the child’s first name and a selected emoji, maintaining privacy while celebrating their role.
• Children will never be alone with a science mentor; parents are welcome to join.

Compensation

Each Young Reviewer will receive a $75 gift card as a thank-you for their contribution.

Submit Expression of Interest Form to participate as a Young Reviewer here.

Deadline: June 15, 2025

 

Science Mentor

The success of the ACCESS Special Collection issue of FYM relies on the active involvement of Science Mentors — not only during the review process itself, but also in the intentional planning and preparation that ensures each child and youth involved has a meaningful and empowering experience. This mentorship model is especially significant, as all Young Reviewers are members of the pediatric cancer community—including survivors, siblings, bereaved siblings, and close peers.

Role of a Science Mentor

• Helping youth understand the scientific process and peer review
• Guiding them in critically evaluating articles and expressing their insights
• Supporting them in developing confidence, voice, and scientific curiosity
• Approximate time commitment of up to 10 hours per review

ACCESS Information Package for Science Mentors

To support Science Mentors in this essential role, ACCESS will provide a detailed information package before mentor–reviewer engagement, including:

• An overview of FYM’s mission: an open-access, youth-centered journal that values critical thinking and inclusivity
• Review materials: the manuscript, FYM Mentor Guide, review questions, and Young Reviewer Profile Form
• Access to resources such as the Learn with SickKids – Trauma-Informed Care module from the SickKids Learning Institute

Connecting across ACCESS

• Mentors will be paired with a Young Reviewer by the Committee of Collection Editors and the Project Officer
• Pairings are designed to promote meaningful engagement with youth from diverse regions and underrepresented communities across Canada
• Ongoing support from ACCESS and the Project Officer will be available throughout the process

Compensation

Science Mentors will receive $250 per peer review in recognition of their time and contribution.

Submit Expression of Interest Form to participate as a Science Mentor here.

Deadline: June 15, 2025