Trent Appoints Dr. Tana J. Allen as Vice-President, Research & Innovation
Accomplished scholar and experienced senior leader to guide the future of research at Trent starting September 1, 2026
Trent University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Tana J. Allen, an internationally recognized classical archaeologist and social historian and accomplished senior academic administrator, as the University’s next vice-president, Research & Innovation at Trent effective September 1, 2026.
“Dr. Allen will be an outstanding addition to Trent University,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor.
“Her track record as a senior research leader with demonstrated skills in facilitating collaboration across disciplines, and her appreciation for Trent’s range of engagement and productivity will elevate our reputation as a research-intensive university that tackles complex issues from multiple vantage points. She is the right leader to champion Trent’s research and researchers, advancing Trent’s focus on healthy and sustainable environments and communities.”
Dr. Allen comes to Trent from Memorial University, where she most recently served as acting vice-president (research) and previously as acting associate vice-president (research). Throughout her tenure, she worked closely with senior leaders to advance Memorial’s strategic research objectives and strengthen its international profile.
Dr. Allen’s research explores ancient architecture, medical practices, and the influence of Greek and Roman ideas on the modern world. She is widely known for her work on the interplay between health, society, and place in the ancient world. Her academic scholarship includes numerous publications, international conference presentations, major editorial roles, and extensive archaeological field experience across the Mediterranean.
In addition to her academic contributions, Dr. Allen has provided national leadership through roles such as chair of ACENET’s Board of Directors, executive roles with the Ocean Frontier Institute and the Health Research Ethics Authority, as well as being Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) leader for Memorial, and other organizations spanning research and innovation across the arts and sciences.
“I am honoured to join Trent at this exciting moment as the University focuses on further advancing its research profile,” said Dr. Allen. “Trent has an extraordinary reputation for excellence across disciplines, and a strong focus on interdisciplinary research that resonates deeply with my own values."
"I look forward to meeting and working with the entire community. Students, faculty, staff and partners at Trent are engaged in excellent research and I can’t wait to share even more of that with Canada and the world."
Dr. Allen holds a Bachelor of Arts from Amherst College, a Master of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Ph.D. from the University of Alberta.
She will begin her role as vice-president, Research & Innovation at Trent University on September 1, 2026, replacing Dr. Holger Hintelmann, who has held the position in an interim capacity since 2024.
Learn more about Research & Innovation at Trent University.
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.