The naming of the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation's Innovation Laboratories
EDMONTON — Lab space at the University of Alberta is being renamed in recognition of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation’s transformative support — more than $85.5 million provided through the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute (WCHRI) since 2006.
On October 31, 2025, the lab space will be renamed the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation Innovation Laboratories. Funding provided by the foundation to WCHRI has contributed to a powerful partnership that has helped to define how research discoveries become real-world treatments for children and families, not just in Alberta or Canada, but around the globe.
“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, U of A provost and vice-president (academic).
The labs are located within the Katz Group Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research, housing 11 scientists conducting world-leading research in precision health. Their work ranges from decoding rare genetic diseases to developing new therapies for childhood brain tumours and kidney disorders. The space is also used to train future researchers and clinicians.
“This is a consequential milestone because it brings our long-standing investment in pediatric research to life in a tangible way,” says Karen Faulkner, president and CEO of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. “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.”
Among the current projects underway are a study investigating whether a medication commonly used for arthritis could treat a rare childhood brain tumour and research to establish a stem cell resource lab that will support ongoing work by WCHRI researchers in rare genetic diseases.
Contact:
Emilee Ubels, Communications Co-ordinator, Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation
Phone: 780.431.8909. Email: Emilee.Ubels@StolleryKids.com