The Social Exposome in Child Health and Development

Despite being the 5th most prosperous country in the world, when compared to other developed countries, Canada’s rankings are alarmingly low on key measures of children’s health and safety, as well as child poverty. These conditions have resulted in large and growing inequalities in the development and health of Canadian children. On May 2-4, 2022, the Social Exposome Cluster at UBC will host a 3-day workshop bringing together researchers, policy experts, and relevant NGOs and community groups to explore research and policies that can reduce disparities and improve child health and well-being. This PWIAS International Research Roundtable is led by Dr. Michael Kobor, Canada Research Chair in Social Epigenetics at UBC.

Roundtable objectives: 1) review current research on the social determinants of child health and development, policies and interventions; 2) catalyse research collaborations; 3) identify interventions and policies for advancement; and 4) outline a plan for knowledge translation aimed at policy change.

Roundtable sessions will include the following panels:
Panel 1- Exploring the social exposome: the early-life social and environmental factors that impact youth health and development

Panel 2 – Biological embedding: the mechanisms by which early life exposures/experiences “get under the skin”

Panel 3 – Current Challenges in a Changing World: The COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, natural disasters

Panel 4 – Youth cohort studies: benefits and methodological considerations

Panel 5 – Policies and interventions that may improve the health of youth and families

Roundtable participation is by invitation.

Public Event: There will also be an opportunity for the public to learn, get involved, and become engaged in current research being conducted by Social Exposome researchers. This free day-long event is held in partnership with the Science Rendezvous festival at UBC on May 7, 2022. More details here.

For more information please contact: Esha Gill