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Richard Bazinet and Mackenzie Smith in the lab

Research

Science Guiding Education, Policy And Outreach

Childhood nutrition is essential for human health. Poor nutrition in early years can lead to or compound numerous debilitating conditions. And yet, too many children are eating unhealthy foods, and too many families are left confused about nutrition or unable to access a wholesome diet. 

Research at the Lawson Centre for Child Nutrition provides the evidence and focus we need to improve child nutrition, in Canada and around the world.

Our scientists bring diverse expertise to child health. They also have strong connections to global networks of other scientists, clinicians, policymakers, politicians, government and NGO workers, and the private sector. Each researcher is affiliated with one of three departments at the University of Toronto: Nutritional SciencesPaediatrics, and Family and Community Medicine, or with the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education.

View or search our faculty directory.

Science in the Lawson Centre spans many academic fields to address specific problems in child nutrition.

Centre researchers create and share knowledge in early child development, chronic disease and health. View our faculty directory.

Patient-oriented research led by paediatrician and scientist Jonathon Maguire.

Professor Elena Comelli is discovering new links between the gut, good health and chronic disease.

Our scientists are exploring relationships between food policy and nutrition, at home and abroad.

A partnership with the Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre to investigate opportunities to increase access to skilled lactation support. 

See how we work with industry, government and other collaborators.

Dec 16, 2025
A new and flexible education program in child nutrition is providing up-to-date scientific evidence and practical guidance for health-care providers, enabling them to effectively address the challenging nutritional issues they see in their paediatric patients.
Oct 30, 2025
The University of Toronto’s Food as Medicine Update, a continuing education symposium for health-care providers, will run on November 13 with a focus on obesity.
Oct 22, 2025
University of Toronto Professors Mary L’Abbé and Bernard Zinman have been inducted into Canadian Medical Hall of Fame for 2026.
Jun 27, 2025
Nicole Weber and Nina Trask are researchers with Feeding Kids, Nourishing Minds, a series of studies on school food programs led by the University of Toronto. Their recent work highlights benefits and challenges of these programs, and offers insight on how a national, coordinated approach can improve program delivery.
Jun 16, 2025
Children of fathers who were with obesity or overweight around the time of conception are more likely to develop obesity themselves, according to new research from the University of Toronto that is reshaping how we understand paternal influence on child health.
Apr 22, 2025
The institute will educate the next generation of climate leaders, mobilize talent and innovative ideas from across the university, expand on U of T’s world-leading sustainability research and discovery, and inspire the urgent action needed for a healthier future.