Conference Agenda
CHRD provides a stimulating learning environment for researchers, support personnel, and trainees exploring our dedication to improving child health. This year’s theme will focus on the maternal-child axis, examining how health is shaped from pre-conception all the way through to adolescence. CHRD 2026 will highlight the interdisciplinary research that strengthens health outcomes across generations. Below is an overview of what the two exciting days will include:
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Child Health Research Days will take place in Alloway Hall at the Manitoba Museum from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The afternoon will feature student and trainee poster presentations from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. After a full day of presentations, join us for a networking mixer in the Non Such Gallery from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow attendees.
Thursday, October 22, 2026
We return to Alloway Hall to conclude the conference with the Dr. Goodbear’s Den trainee presentations. Following the conference sessions, attendees are invited to enjoy a private show at the Planetarium, followed by time to explore the Manitoba Museum’s Science Gallery. To close the conference, an awards dinner will be held on Thursday evening in Alloway Hall from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
9:55 AM – 10:20 AM
Quiet, the Kids are Talking: Highlighting the Importance of Youth Engagement Across the Spectrum of Child Health Research
Research Advisory Council for Youth, The Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba
Alloway Hall
10:25 AM – 10:50 AM
Healthy Fathers — Healthy Children
Dr. Jacquetta Trasler, McGill University
Alloway Hall
10:55 AM – 11:10 AM
Decoding Circular RNA Signatures in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: A New Horizon for Prognosis and Diagnosis
Nolan De Leon, University of Manitoba
Alloway Hall
11:15 AM – 11:40 AM
The First Architect: The Placenta’s Role in Shaping the Human Brain
Dr. Lei Xing, University of Manitoba
Alloway Hall
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM
LUNCH BUFFET
Alloway Hall
12:50 PM – 1:15 PM
Clinical & Translational Advances in Genetic Causes of Non-CF Bronchiectasis
Dr. Sharon Dell, University of British Columbia
Alloway Hall
1:20 PM – 1:35 PM
Examining Mental Health and Protective Factors Among Youth With and Without Child Maltreatment Experiences Using the Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth (CHSCY)
Julie-Anne McCarthy, University of Manitoba
Alloway Hall
1:40 PM – 2:05 PM
Early Childhood Caries: Understanding the Burden and Advancing Access to Preventive Care in the Community
Dr. Bob Schroth, University of Manitoba
Alloway Hall
2:10 PM – 2:35 PM
Fetal Therapy… a Window of Opportunity for Disease Modification
Dr. Karen Fung-Kee-Fung, University of Ottawa
Alloway Hall
3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Poster Session
Alloway Hall
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Networking Mixer
The Nonsuch Gallery