2026 Owerko Centre Conference
Growing up in a changing world: Navigating new realities for children and families
Join us June 9 for the 2026 Owerko Centre Conference
The Owerko Centre conference is an annual event hosted by the Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute. This year we will explore how families are navigating the challenges and complexities of a rapidly changing world with a line-up of engaging speakers and trainee presenters. There will also be opportunities to network at lunch and an afternoon reception.
Event Details
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Conference: 9:00 a.m. - 3:10 p.m.
Reception: 3:10 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Azrieli Atrium and Theatre 4, Health Sciences Centre, Foothills Campus, University of Calgary
Trainee Presentations
Owerko trainees are invited to submit an abstract to present a poster or oral talk at the 2026 Owerko Centre Conference.
Abstract submissions must be received by May 15, 2026.
This Year's Keynote Speakers
Dr. Francis Vergunst, DPhil/PhD
Associate Professor, Psychosocial Difficulties, Department of Special Needs Education, University of Oslo
Note: Dr. Vergunst will be presenting remotely from Norway
Dr. Ripudaman Singh Minhas, MD, MPH, FRCPC, FAAP
Associate Professor of Pediatrics, University of Toronto; Developmental Pediatrician, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto
UCalgary Speaker
Dr. Sheri Madigan, PhD, RPsych
Professor; Canada Research Chair in Determinants of Child Development, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, UCalgary
Program Details
Light refreshments will be available
Climate Change and Children’s Mental Health: What Does the Evidence Show?
This talk will review the emerging evidence on how climate change may harm children’s and adolescents’ mental health and wellbeing. It will focus on the role of climate-related hazards – such as heatwaves, floods, and wildfires – while also critiquing evidence on psychological responses to climate change, like ‘climate anxiety’. Dr. Vergunst will conclude by discussing how these risks can be better measured and addressed through prevention, adaptation, and climate-informed support for children and families.
Growing Up Connected: Screen Use, Relationships, and Development in a Digital World
Co-Creating Trust in a Digital Age: Community Engagement Lessons from Our Kids’ Health
Children and families are increasingly navigating health information in complex digital environments shaped by misinformation, inequity, and rapidly evolving technologies. This presentation will highlight the development and evaluation of Our Kids’ Health, a community-engaged digital health initiative co-creating culturally and linguistically relevant health information with diverse families. Drawing on mixed-methods research and implementation experience across multiple communities, it will examine how engagement strategies, platform choices, and co-design approaches influence trust, reach, and knowledge uptake. The talk will also explore methodological and ethical considerations in conducting equity-focused digital health research. Lessons learned will inform future directions for research, policy, and practice in child health equity.