Four children smiling and holding small plants in their hands

The Owerko Centre

A hub for researchers at the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute dedicated to the study of neurodevelopmental conditions and the improvement of child mental health.

Through research, education and community engagement, the Owerko Centre takes a multidisciplinary approach to better understand neurodevelopment, neurodevelopmental conditions and child mental health. 

Research

We champion innovative research to catalyze discoveries in children’s brain and mental health.

Learn about our latest Catalyst Grant Recipients

Education

We offer educational and training opportunities to empower the next generation of researchers with cross-disciplinary approaches to children's brain and mental health.

Meet our latest education award recipients

Community Engagement

By engaging the community, we enhance connections that inform and translate innovative research and partnerships.

Join us at our upcoming events: 

Owerko Centre Community Connections September 23

Owerko Family Distinguished Lecture October 27 


Owerko Centre Members

The Owerko Centre has a growing community of 80+ members representing nearly all UCalgary faculties including the Cumming School of Medicine, Werklund School of Education and Faculties of Arts, Science, Kinesiology, Nursing and Social Work. 


Partnerships

A key strength of the Owerko Centre is our network of close partners and collaborators. The Owerko Centre is at the centre of a thriving ecosystem facilitating research, education and community engagement to advance initiatives related to neurodevelopment and child health.

Azrieli Accelerator logo

Azrieli Accelerator

Led by Owerko Centre Director, Dr. Susan Graham, the Azrieli Accelerator brings together transdisciplinary teams across UCalgary to explore and transform neurodevelopment research across the lifespan.

Visit the Azrieli Accelerator website 

One Child Every Child logo

One Child Every Child

The Owerko Centre is proud to be a part of UCalgary's One Child Every Child, a Canada-first research initiative that is transforming child health research.

Visit the OCEC website 

Little Red Reading House logo

Little Red Reading House

The Owerko Centre stewards the Little Red Reading House, a site dedicated to supporting literacy and early development for children and families. 

Learn more about the Little Red Reading House 

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Kids Literacy Collective

We are a part of the Kids Literacy Collective, a network of educators, community leaders, program providers, and literacy changemakers working together to ensure children can read by Grade 3.

Visit the Kids Literacy Collective website 

Featured events


In the News

$4.6M investment powers health, environmental, aerospace, financial research

CFI John R. Evans Leaders Fund supports next generation of UCalgary research

Azrieli Accelerator and Owerko Centre 2026 Catalyst Grants recipients announced

Supporting new discoveries in neurodevelopmental research at UCalgary

UCalgary postdoctoral researchers win awards for innovation

Five faculties represented in annual award recognizing research with societal impact

UCalgary study brings families closer to answers about rare neurodevelopmental disorders

Research reveals why different CELF2 variants can lead to different childhood neurological symptoms

Celebrating a legacy of partnership and innovation

Saifa Koonar retiring as president and CEO of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation

Introducing UCalgary’s 2026 Killam Annual Professors

Five scholars from medicine, science, social work and engineering recognized

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