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

May 15

Community Engagement Series: Dr. Lisa Hawke & Claudia Sendanyoye

Presentation | 1:00pm - 2:00pm

May 22

Trainee Hub Event: Expanding Horizons in Implementation Science

Presentation | 1:30pm - 3:30pm

May 26

Leong Centre Rounds: Interact-North Virtual Parenting Program

Presentation | 12:00pm - 1:00pm

May 28

Trainee Hub Event: Establishing Meaningful Advisory Committees

Presentation | 1:00pm - 2:30pm

Apr 1, 2025

Co-Director Astrid Guttmann shares insights from the UK Academy of Medical Sciences Meeting

In early March, Dr. Astrid Guttmann, Co-Director of the Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children, attended the UK Academy of Medical Sciences meeting on child health equity. Following the meeting, our Knowledge Mobilization Specialist, Priscilla Medeiros, sat down Astrid to reflect on key takeaways, international collaborations, and the evolving role of research in shaping policy for healthier futures. Read the full interview to learn more about her experience at the meeting.

Mar 21, 2025

Understanding inequities in Canadian children’s traffic injuries using national census linked to health records

Research leads Dr. Anne Harris, Dr. Linda Rothman (also affiliated with the University of Toronto), and research assistant Ryann Yeo from Toronto Metropolitan University, provide an update on their study supported by the Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children.

Mar 18, 2025

Exploring the intersection of social disparity, brain growth, and brain injury in children with congenital heart disease: Modifying neurodevelopmental outcomes

Pearl Zaki is a current third-year resident in Paediatric Neurology at the University of Toronto. Supervised by Dr. Vann Chau at The Hospital for Sick Children and Dr. Thiviya Selvanathan at the University of British Columbia, Pearl’s work sheds light on how socioeconomic factors may contribute to health inequities in children with congenital heart disease. She provides a summary of her project, supported by the Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children Studentship Award, aimed at promoting more equitable approaches to pediatric care.

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 well-being of every child and family.