The first meeting of the international and interdisciplinary research team “Data, Dignity and Direction. Global Child Health Research” takes place on October 7–8, 2026, in Montréal.

CRÉ co-researcher Mira Johri (École de santé publique de l’Université de Montréal) is the nominated principal applicant for this Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) grant. Several CRÉ members are part of the project team: Ryoa Chung (Université de Montréal), Andrée-Anne Cormier (École nationale d’administration publique), Lisa Eckenwiler (George Mason University) and Kristin Voigt (McGill University). Daniel Weinstock (McGill University) chairs the Scientific Advisory Group. The CRÉ is proud to be one of the project’s partners.

Around the world, children grow up without parental care because of loss, poverty, conflict or displacement. They face greater risks to their health, education and well-being. This project will generate the first comprehensive global evidence on children aged 0 to 17 who are orphans or lack parental care across more than 75 low- and middle-income countries. By combining large-scale data analysis, in-country research and lived perspectives, it will address critical evidence gaps and inform policies, services and action.

For more information on the project and the team, visit Data, Dignity and Direction