The University of Alberta has received a record philanthropic gift of $93.5 million for the Women and Children's Health Research Institute (WCHRI), marking the largest donation in the institution's history. The funds, announced on Monday, May 4, 2026, will be distributed over the next decade, with $70 million coming from the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation and $23.5 million from the Alberta Women's Health Foundation, supported by Alberta Health Services.
Transformative Impact on Research
This significant investment aims to close critical gaps in research for women and children, leading to healthier pregnancies, more resilient children, and improved outcomes for families across Alberta. Over the past 20 years, the two foundations have contributed a total of $112 million to the institute, which remains the only one of its kind in Canada and one of the few globally dedicated to the lifelong health of women and children.
Verna Yiu, provost and vice-president academic at the University of Alberta, described the moment as a defining milestone for the institution. "We are here to advance a shared vision for the future of health, one where every woman and child has the opportunity to thrive," she said.
Partnerships Driving Discovery
Brenda Hemmelgarn, college dean and vice-provost of the College of Health Sciences, emphasized the power of collaboration. "The Women and Children's Health Research Institute is a powerhouse. With more than 400 members from 13 faculties across the university, they are driving discovery that changes lives," she noted.
Sharlene Rutherford, president and CEO of the Alberta Women's Health Foundation, reflected on the evolution of women's health research. Two decades ago, the focus was primarily on pregnancy and healthy births, leaving significant gaps. "We now understand those gaps, and more importantly, we are doing something about them. This is a real shift in focus, urgency, and expectation. Women's health always deserved the spotlight," she said.
Clinical Advances and Future Directions
Sandra Davidge, executive director of the women's health foundation, highlighted the broad range of research supported, including the crucial perinatal period affecting both mother and child, which has historically been underfunded. She cited clinical trials that have established new guidelines for pain management in children, ensuring safe and effective treatment without opioids. "This is how we transform lives," she said.
Karen Faulkner, president and CEO of the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation, praised Edmonton's medical community, noting that some of the best medical minds are found in the city. The funding secures another decade of critical research, building on the partners' status as global leaders in health care.
