To commemorate the leadership of Dr. James Parker as the outgoing vice-president of Research and International, the Office of Research, along with Dr. Steven E. Franklin, president and vice-chancellor, hosted a reception at Alumni House on Thursday, June 23, 2011.

George Ross, deputy minister from the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation, congratulated and thanked Professor Parker on behalf of the Ministry, noting particular appreciation for the work being done in the areas of health sciences and water quality research at Trent.  

Dr. Bryan Palmer, who was recently presented with Trent’s Distinguished Research Award, said that it was not often that he found himself standing in praise of a university administrator, but that it was his honour and privilege to thank Prof. Parker for everything that he has done to support the advancement of research at Trent.

“He was genuinely interested in thought,” said Dr. Jonathon Bordo, Cultural Studies professor, “the thought of those people he was the shepherd of.”

Incoming vice-president of Research, Dr. Neil Emery recalled a number of milestones achieved during Prof. Parker’s service as vice-president, such as the expansion of the Research Office, with more money and more diversity of research to oversee. Prof. Parker was also responsible for the hiring of most of Trent’s existing Canada Research Chairs. Professor Emery lauded Prof. Parker’s constant attention to the greater good of Trent University, recognizing that Trent research must fit within the institution’s academic plan.

Andy Mitchell, president and CEO of the Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster, commended Prof. Parker’s ability to solve what seemed to be insurmountable challenges at times, “knowing where we needed to go and innovating ways of getting there.” He also added, addressing Prof. Parker, “You have made a difference. On behalf of the Cluster, thank-you for everything you’ve done.”

Dr. Suresh Narine, director of the new Trent Centre for Biomaterials Research thanked Prof. Parker for his “rare courage to usher in a completely new way of working with industry while educating the administration on the benefits.”

Earlier in the day, Trent University’s Board of Governors approved the formation of new research centres at Trent, including the Trent Centre for Biomaterials Research and the Natural Resources DNA Profiling and Forensic Centre” (NRDPFC).

The Board also approved the Annual Report on University research and the Policy on Research Organizations. The Annual Report confirmed that Trent continues to expand its research activities which have doubled in the past decade. Total research revenues now exceed $17.5-million. It was noted that the newly approved Centres will contribute to Trent’s on-going research performance.