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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

Jan 21, 2026
Dr. Angela Mashford-Pringle (Associate Professor, University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Social and Behavioural Health Sciences Division), Dr. Amy Shawanda (Director of Research, Kenjgewin Teg), and team members of the AMP Lab (Aarti Doshi, Stephanie Cunningham-Reimann, and Sharon Tan) provide a project update on the experiences of Indigenous parents, grandparents, and foster families with the child welfare system in Ontario.
Jan 15, 2026
Aggie Mazzucco is the Senior Project Manager for the Prenatal Opioid Exposure project at the Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children. In this feature, she shares updates on the project and discusses her commitment to community-based research.
Jan 14, 2026
Emily Hamovitch, a PhD candidate at the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation and Leong Scholar, is examining follow-up care for children and adolescents discharged from hospitalization with a diagnosis of anxiety, depression, or self-harm. Follow-up care for this population is essential to supporting recovery, and reducing risk of readmission. However, in Ontario, access to post-discharge care remains inconsistent and inequitable. 

Co-Directors Message

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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”.

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.