Community-based research bridges the knowledge and priorities of local organizations with the research expertise of Trent University faculty and students. Each year, requests for community projects are received from municipalities, social service agencies, conservation authorities, private enterprises, and community interest groups—ensuring outcomes that benefit both communities and students.
For the 2024-2025 Academic year TCRC connected 126 students with 36 organizations, completing 59 projects that tackled real-world challenges in health, equity, climate, and community well-being. Nearly 300 more students contributed through community-service learning, expanding local impact while building future leaders.
Since 1996, the Trent Community Research Centre (TCRC) has facilitated hundreds of meaningful projects across Peterborough City and County, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Durham Region, and Northumberland County. In 2026, we proudly celebrate 30 years of impact—three decades of uniting community partners, students, and faculty in research that sparks innovation, builds capacity, and creates lasting change.
Together with the U-Links Centre for Community-Based Research in Haliburton County, TCRC continues to empower communities across Central and Eastern Ontario through collaborative, community-first research.
U-Links Centre for Community-Based Research (U-Links)
Recognizing the need for local knowledge and delivery organizations that are responsive to the varying needs of different communities in the region, U-Links has worked as the bridge between Trent University and the rural communities of Haliburton County, since 1999, connecting local organizations that have research questions with students who are interested in community-based research.
U-Links plays a key role within Haliburton County in relation to community development, assisting organizations in defining research needs, supporting organizations in developing collaborative relationships and in accessing funding. The U-Links Management Committee is representative of a wide range of sectors in Haliburton County and brings knowledge of the community and expertise in many fields in the guidance and support of U-Links.
