Trent University and Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) are proud to announce the launch of the Natalie Beavis Collaborative Research Grant – a new funding initiative designed to strengthen applied research partnerships and accelerate real-world impact across both institutions.

Named in memory of Natalie Beavis, a proud Trent alumna and former PRHC Director who championed collaborative research and innovation, the grant reflects her enduring legacy of leadership and commitment to advancing knowledge and care.

The program provides up to $21,525 in total funding, including $14,025 in cash support and $5,000 to $7,500 in matching funds through Mitacs Accelerate or Business Strategy Internship (BSI) programs. Projects will be supported for up to 12 months, with embedded student research trainees engaged for four-to-six-month internships, ensuring a strong focus on mentorship and experiential learning.

“This grant is a meaningful way to honour Natalie and the spirit of collaboration she embodied,” said Evan Lyons, Executive Vice President, Digital Services, Strategy & Transformation at PRHC. “By bringing together researchers, clinicians, and students, PRHC and Trent are building on the momentum of our recent Collider event and taking the next step toward a more connected and impactful research ecosystem.”

The initiative builds directly on the PRHC x Trent Collider event held earlier this year, where more than 100 clinicians, researchers, and faculty members came together to share current projects, spark new ideas, build relationships, and lay the groundwork for initiatives such as this grant to translate ideas into action.

Eligible projects must include collaborators from both Trent University and PRHC, involve at least one research trainee, and demonstrate clear impact beyond academia, such as improvements in healthcare delivery, operational insight, policy relevance, or innovation potential. Applications will be reviewed by a committee representing both organizations.

“The healthcare needs of our region and the province require greater contributions of highly educated and experienced professionals,” said Dr. Tana Allen, vice-president of Research & Innovation at Trent University. “Our partnership with PRHC enables faculty to contribute research expertise to improve care and facilitates professional opportunities for students to prepare to work in the field. This grant is a fitting tribute to Natalie Beavis and her belief in the impact of collaboration.”

In addition to the grant, PRHC and Trent have also recently launched a new Research Community of Practice – a forum for ongoing knowledge exchange, collaboration, and development of future projects.

The grant is now open for submissions, with a deadline of Friday, October 2 at 5:00 p.m.

Visit the website for more information about Research at PRHC, including details of the new grant.