Charting the future of child health: McMaster University hosts collaborative research day

On March 27, McMaster University hosted McMaster Child Health Research Day, where more than 130 Health Sciences students, patient families and special guests gathered to celebrate innovative research studies and compete for awards.

The event was developed in collaboration with Hamilton’s child health community, including the Department of Pediatrics, the Offord Centre for Child Studies, CanChild, the Centre for Metabolism, Obesity and Diabetes Research, McMaster Children’s Hospital, and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.

The breadth of research presented was remarkable, with over 125 studies spanning topics from artificial intelligence applications to basic science, chronic conditions, and mental health interventions, among others. The array of child-centred health research was unprecedented for the region.

Among the attendees was third-year undergraduate student Samantha Rutherford, whose study explored ways to stop chatbots from interfering with online data collection—a challenge she recognizes as universal across research fields. According to Rutherford, “AI is not going anywhere, so we need to find ways to mitigate its effects, especially given the prevalence of online surveys and research.”

Andrea Cross, a study supervisor and assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics, shared insights about an innovative education program she’s leading to empower youth and families to engage in health research. When reflecting on the impact of her work, Cross noted, “Many people who are graduating from the course are now becoming champions and leaders and embedding meaningful family engagement within their communities and organizations.”

The event also attracted attention from across Canada’s political spectrum, with Hamilton Mountain Liberal MP Lisa Hepfner joining as a guest research judge, and Edmonton Conservative MP and child-health advocate Mike Lake providing the event’s keynote address.

“I was incredibly impressed with the quality of research and by the passion of the students as they described their projects,” said Hepfner. “McMaster shows once again it is at the forefront of health sciences and that it is invested in improving the lives of young people in Canada and around the world.”

University and hospital leaders used the event to connect with attendees to share plans about a dedicated children’s and women’s health research institute, currently under development.

The day concluded with the recognition of eight researchers with awards celebrating the scientific rigour of their projects, as well as content clarity, communication, and visual appeal.

Top Poster Presentations

• MSc or PhD Student: Samantha Morin
• Resident: Simran Aggarwal
• Clinical or Postdoctoral Fellow: Lisiane Hoff Calegari
• Undergraduate (2): Ashwini Pugazhendi, Ben Caputo
• Medical Student: Shira Gertsman
• Research Staff: Jaime McLellan

Top Oral Presentation: Elyse Letts