Trent University is one of Canada’s top universities, recognized for its research and innovation, particularly within the liberal arts and sciences.
Research is central to our mission as we strive to contribute to research at a local, national and international level. With numerous partnerships from government, other universities, industries and communities around the world, Trent's researchers continually advance the knowledge, technologies and services of their disciplines.
Trent’s distinctive interdisciplinary, collaborative approach to research sets us apart from our peers, with our strengths and the strategic directions summarized around three areas of excellence :
Humanities, Culture & Indigenous Studies
Characterized by an interdisciplinary overview of the human condition
Aging, Health & Sustainable Communities
Collaborative and community-based research in Psychology, Nursing, Education, Aging and Business.
The Environment
Trent has decades of world-renowned research expertise in this theme area and continues to be a leader in environmental studies.
Featured Research
With one of the top water analysis labs in the world; a state-of-the-art forensics crime scene facility (also Canada’s first certified zero-carbon building); the internationally-recognized Centre for Aging & Society; the first accredited nursing simulation lab at a Canadian university; a renowned wildlife forensic DNA laboratory; and a library of the future, home to an innovative makerspace and 3-D printers – Trent delivers impactful research and innovation solutions.
$750,000 Awarded to Trent University Canada Research Chair Leading Research on Canadian Arctic Defence Policy
First-of-its-Kind Research Collaboration between Trent University and Karbon Brewing Co. Leading Carbon-Zero Innovations
History Professor Wins Western Writing Award for Chronicle of Activist’s Struggle for Environmental Justice
More Research News
The cutting-edge research conducted by faculty at Trent has not gone unnoticed in the news. Read more about the impact Trent researchers are making regionally, nationally, and around the world.
Dr. Naomi Nichols, Associate Professor in Sociology & Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Community-Partnered Social Justice, leads the Research for Social Change Lab in pursuit of justice and equity in Nogojiwanong/Peterborough.
Leadership
Dr. Cathy Bruce is the Vice President Research and Innovation at Trent University. VP Bruce’s career spans both academic and administrative leadership in which she has served as the president of the Association of Canadian Deans of Education, the vice-chair of the Ontario Association of Deans of Education, and the director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning at Trent University.
Research Institutes, Centres & Groups
The Research Institutes, Centres & Groups at Trent play a critical role in our pursuit of research excellence with national and international recognition, diversity of research across scholarly disciplines, an emphasis on interdisciplinary research, and involvement of students in research.
Partnerships
Trent’s world-class researchers, along with our outstanding research, invention and innovation records, have allowed us to form long-standing relationships with communities, not-for-profits, business and industries to help solve real-world problems for Canadians and people worldwide.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Trent University is strongly committed to raising awareness around equity, diversity and inclusion concerns across both the Canada research chairs program and its broader research community. We recognize that by fostering a diverse and inclusive research culture, we create opportunities and an environment that allows students and faculty to develop and flourish as individuals and global citizens.
Research Annual Report 2021
Inaugural Report on Research Excellence at Trent University
2021 was a year of productive and impactful research at Trent University. Trent researchers forged meaningful industry, government, and community partnerships, broke new ground with original findings, and persisted through the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are delighted to share a snapshot of the Trent University research community’s important work in the Report on Research Excellence 2021. Watch this short video message delivered by Dr. Cathy Bruce, Vice President, Research and Innovation to learn more, enjoy the report, and be sure to access the QR codes throughout the report to dive a little deeper into research at Trent.
Funding Support
Trent University is grateful for the continued support of the three federal research granting agencies through the Research Support Fund, which allows us to maintain a world-class research environment.
