The Systems & Policy Research Network (SPRNetwork) conducts research to help children and youth with special healthcare needs (CYSHCN), their families, and healthcare systems thrive.
Mission and Vision
Our mission is to improve the health, quality of life, and well-being of all children and youth with special health care needs and their families through rigorous research by:
- Prioritizing lived experience partner expertise
- Accelerating collaborative transformation of systems of care for CYSHCN
- Informing meaningful policy impact
Our vision is that children and youth with special health care needs and their families thrive, with systems and policies designed to work for them.
Our Core Values
- Family Partnership
- Family-Centered Approach
- Collaboration
- Long-Term Impacts
- Scientific Merit
SPRNetwork Impact and Stats
Since 2017, the network has made great strides in advancing research for children and youth with special health care needs. What have we achieved in the past nine years?
- ~$9M in federal funding
- ~$4.7M in external grants
- More than 40 research projects
- Engaged over 100 lived experience partners
- More than 10 million people represented in our primary and secondary research studies
- More than 40 publications
- 108 posters and presentations
- 26 Emerging Investigators
Recent Posts
Emerging Investigators Webinar
Did you miss the informational webinar about the Emerging Investigators program? It’s available on our website now. The webinar, hosted by SPRNetwork leaders, details the application process for 2026 and provided opportunities for potential applicants to ask questions. Watch it here! The deadline is 7/1. For additional information, visit the Emerging Investigators Program webpage.
2026 Pediatric Complex Care Awards
The Pediatric Complex Care Achievement Awards celebrate individuals who dedicate their lives—through commitment and work—to serving children with medical complexity. The awards honor those who have made exceptional, long-lasting contributions to help children with medical complexity in many areas, including clinical care delivery, advocacy, policy, administration, research, and education/training. The awards also honor lived experience…
Applications Open for the Emerging Investigators (EI) Program
The Systems & Policy Research Network Emerging Investigator Guided Research Program funds up to three projects each year dedicated to improving health systems for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN). Apply by July 1! Selected investigators receive up to $15,000, one year of mentorship, and guidance in building meaningful family partnerships in research. Who should apply?…