A new chapter for children’s health

From left to right: U of A provost Verna Yiu, WCHRI executive director Sandra Davidge, president and CEO of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation Karen Faulkner, Department of Pediatrics chair Todd Alexander and College of Health Sciences dean and vice-provost Brenda Hemmelgarn at the Oct. 31 event marking the naming of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation Innovation Laboratories. (Photo: Alex Pugliese)

When researchers, supporters and community members gathered at University Commons on Oct. 31 to celebrate the naming of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation Innovation Laboratories, the atmosphere was one of pride and possibility.

The event recognized more than $85.5 million in transformative philanthropic support from the foundation, given through the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute (WCHRI) since 2006. The investment represents nearly two decades of partnership that has helped to define how research discoveries become real-world treatments for children and families.

The celebration was as much about science as it was about gratitude for the donors whose generosity continues to shape the future of children’s health.

“This naming acknowledges the huge contributions and impact the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation has had for decades in helping the university advance women’s and children’s health research,” says Verna Yiu, provost and vice-president (academic) of the University of Alberta. “The university simply would not be where it is today in these areas without the vision and sustained investment of this partnership.”

The laboratories are home to a community of 11 scientists conducting world-leading research in precision health and are located within the Katz Group Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research. The scientists’ work ranges from decoding rare genetic diseases to developing new therapies for childhood brain tumours and kidney disorders. The space also serves as a hub for training the next generation of researchers and clinicians.

For Karen Faulkner, president and CEO of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, the laboratories embody nearly two decades of donor-driven innovation.

“This is a consequential milestone because it brings our long-standing investment in pediatric research to life in a tangible way,” Faulkner says. “The Innovation Laboratories represent our belief that the best care for kids starts with discovery — with the curiosity and creativity of researchers who push the boundaries of what’s possible. For our supporters, it’s a proud symbol of the effect their generosity has had.”

That generosity is already leading to breakthroughs. Todd Alexander, Stollery Science Lab Distinguished Researcher, chair of the Department of Pediatrics and academic lead for the laboratories, says the shared environment is designed to fuel collaboration and innovation.

“It co-localizes people with complementary skill sets to address big questions,” Alexander explains. “We have researchers exploring everything from maternal iron deficiency to tumour diagnostics, genetic kidney disease, disordered sleep and neurodevelopment. Together, we’re able to take discoveries from the earliest stages through to clinical translation.”

Among the current projects underway are a study led by Liana Nobre investigating whether a medication commonly used for arthritis could treat a rare childhood brain tumour, and new research led by Sandeep Gupta to establish a stem cell resource lab that will support ongoing work by WCHRI researchers in rare genetic diseases.

Yiu noted that these advances illustrate how philanthropy and partnership accelerate impact. “If we want to address global challenges in women’s and children’s health, we can’t work in silos,” she says. “WCHRI has been leading the way, for 20 years, in building interdisciplinary, team-based approaches that other organizations now aspire to.”

Philanthropy, Faulkner adds, is the spark that keeps that momentum going. “Community generosity fuels every step of the research journey — from early-stage ideas to breakthroughs that change clinical practice,” she said. “Every gift, no matter the size, helps light the way for brighter futures for kids.”

For Alexander, the laboratories are not only about research but also recognition — of the scientists whose work is changing lives and of the community that makes it possible. “This step of naming the space creates a sense of cohesiveness and pride,” he said. “It’s a win-win-win: it strengthens collaboration, inspires donors and ultimately benefits the children and families we serve.”

As the university looks ahead, Yiu sees this milestone as both a celebration and a catalyst. “These innovation labs help span the full breadth of research — from basic to applied — so kids don’t have to wait decades for necessary treatments or discoveries.”

For the University of Alberta, the laboratories stand as a daily reminder of what’s possible when community generosity and academic excellence work hand in hand. For the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation and its supporters, they are a living legacy. In this place, discovery begins, futures are changed, and every gift continues to make a difference for children and families across Alberta and beyond.