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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

Sep 23, 2025
Honour the experiences of residential school survivors by joining a University-wide event to commemorate Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation. Students, librarians, faculty members, and staff can register to attend this event in person or watch the live stream.
Sep 17, 2025
In early June, Leong Centre Co-Director Astrid Guttmann and Senior Research Associate Susitha Wanigaratne were invited by former Leong Fellow Julia Brandenberger to take part in the Migrant Child & Adolescent Health Research in Europe (Mi-CARE) Priority Setting Partnership Workshop in Basel, Switzerland. The four-day workshop brought together healthcare professionals, researchers, and individuals with lived experience to identify the top 10 research priorities in pediatric migrant health.
Sep 9, 2025
Dr. Faraz Vahid Shahidi, Dr. Anne Fuller, and their team are investigating how parental employment quality influences child health and development, in a project funded by the Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children. Their research suggests that not all jobs are created equal, and that the terms and conditions of parental employment are key to understanding the outcomes of children and youth.

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.