Trent University will highlight its leadership in community-based research and experiential learning at the fourth annual Community Innovation Forum: Knowledge and Talent In Action Showcase, taking place at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club on Thursday, April 3, 2014 from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Co-hosted by Trent University and the Trent Centre for Community Based Education (TCCBE), Fleming College, and the Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster, the Community Innovation Forum (CIF) offers students the opportunity to work with community partners on research projects relevant to local issues. Through the TCCBE, students collaborate with businesses, government agencies and non-profit organizations to produce innovative research that enhances the health of the community while providing students with invaluable employment experience.  

“This event is an opportunity for Trent students to shine,” said Todd Barr, executive director of the TCCBE. “Through these projects, students apply classroom learning towards community-driven issues and at the same time contribute to community development in Peterborough City and County – it’s a win-win.”

At this year’s showcase, 50 Trent students will display 33 community-based education projects, which will be eligible for awards based on their innovation, professionalism, presentation and connection to social and environmental justice. The projects range from “Mapping poverty alleviation in Peterborough” to “Community supported agriculture tours," and represent a wide variety of Trent University programs such as International Development Studies, Environmental Resource Science/Studies, Forensics, and Gender & Women’s Studies. Other project themes included outdoor learning, intellectual disability awareness, civil liberties, social innovation, and aging.

Dr. Suresh Narine, professor of physics and astronomy and the director of the Trent Centre for Biomaterials Research, and Dr. Tom Phillips, professor of economics, will be the keynote speakers at Thursday’s event, discussing how to create a sustainable community that builds high impact business and employment opportunities in Peterborough, especially for youth and students.

The question will also be a subject of debate during a panel discussion by local community leaders moderated by Dr. Asaf Zohar, professor of business administration and founding chair of Trent’s sustainability studies program. Trent business administration professor Dr. Cammie Jaquays will participate in the panel, as well as Mike Hendren, executive director of Kawartha Land Trust, and Mike Watt, Trent alum ’93 and owner of downtown Peterborough shops Flavour Fashion, Plush Boutique and Save our Soles.

Admission to the CIF event is free. To pre-register, please visit www.communityinnovation.ca.