Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children

Harnessing Interdisciplinary Research to Promote the Flourishing of Every Child and Family

The Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children, at the University of Toronto and The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada, is a research centre focused on early interventions and social policy to allow children and youth to thrive.

Established in 2019 through a landmark gift from Dr. Edwin S.H. Leong, a prominent global business leader, philanthropist, and University of Toronto alumnus, our Centre brings together researchers to address and reduce inequities in child health outcomes resulting from the social and structural determinants of health. To learn more about our work and current activities, we encourage you to become a member for the latest news and events.

Areas of Focus

Health Inequities in Children

Addressing the causes and impact of societal disadvantage to promote the flourishing of every child and family

Mental Health

Preventing mental health problems and supporting optimal outcomes for those with mental healthcare needs

Chronic Childhood Conditions

Preventing illness and improving the well-being of children with chronic conditions and their families

Child Development & School Outcomes

Supporting healthy development during critical life stages

Care Delivery Models & Policies

Evaluating innovative models of care delivery and health and social policies

Nov 19

Lifecourse Series: Kiffer G. Card

Presentation | 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Nov 7, 2025

Understanding the lasting impact of COVID-19 learning formats on children’s school performance

Dr. Jessica Omand is an Assistant Professor in the School of Nutrition at Toronto Metropolitan University, a paediatric researcher, and a registered dietitian with the College of Dietitians of Ontario. She holds an MSc and PhD in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Toronto and completed a three-year postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Child Health Evaluative Sciences at the Hospital for Sick Children. In this update, she shares findings from her Ontario-based study examining the association between learning formats during the COVID-19 pandemic and children’s school performance.

Nov 6, 2025

Easing the financial burden for families in neonatal care

Dr. Meta van den Heuvel, Staff Paediatrician and Project Investigator at the SickKids Research Institute, is leading a study exploring how financial support can promote healthier beginnings for children and families. In collaboration with a multidisciplinary research team and supported by the Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children, the project is piloting a Financial Navigator Program designed to help families of infants in neonatal care access financial resources, file taxes, and apply for benefits. Co-developed with caregivers through interviews and workshops, this initiative aims to reduce financial stress, strengthen family wellbeing, and support optimal child development. She provides an update on her study.

Nov 4, 2025

Taking child health advocacy to Parliament Hill

In late October, Ellie Adler, Director of Partnership and Operations travelled to Ottawa with the SickKids Child Health Policy Accelerator to advocate for improvements to clinical trial regulations and drug access for children with rare diseases. In this feature, she answers a series of questions about her experience, what she learned, and why advocacy matters to the Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children.

Co-Directors Message

The Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children at the University of Toronto and The Hospital for Sick Children brings together top researchers to help reduce inequities in child health, including those caused by social and structural determinants of health. Through strategic investments in research, education, training and infrastructure we are executing our vision of “harnessing interdisciplinary research to promote the flourishing of every child and family”.

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Acknowledgement of Traditional Land

The Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children at the University of Toronto and The Hospital for Sick Children is situated on the traditional territories of the Huron-Wendat, Seneca, and Mississaugas of the Credit River. We recognize and honour the Indigenous peoples who have cared for this land for thousands of years, and today, this land remains a vibrant meeting place for many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island. The Centre is committed to collaborating with Indigenous communities and partners to promote the health and wellbeing of every child and family.