Two institutions commit to collaborate on improving care, advancing research, and facilitating career outcomes in health sector

Trent University and Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC), two of Peterborough’s leading institutions, are working together to advance healthcare in the Peterborough region and beyond with a new agreement outlining plans to enhance interdisciplinary research activity, leadership training, applied learning and career opportunities, and student volunteer opportunities.

“This agreement strengthens Trent University’s collaboration with PRHC, creating new opportunities to engage in research, share expertise, and drive meaningful impact in healthcare,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “The collaboration is about more than formalizing our work together—it’s about opening doors to new longer-term projects, securing critical funding, expanding hands-on learning for students, and scaling innovations that will help shape the future of healthcare in our region and beyond.“

At Peterborough Regional Health Centre, we’ve made a strategic commitment to building our teaching and research focus, and our long-standing partnership with Trent University is key to moving this work forward,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, President & CEO of PRHC. “By cultivating our research and innovation partnerships, PRHC will strengthen the patient care and support we offer at our regional hospital for years and decades to come, and offer expanded and enhanced educational opportunities for students pursuing careers in healthcare and related fields.”

Outlined in a new memorandum of understanding (MOU), Trent and PRHC will work together on a variety of initiatives that highlight the strengths of the two institutions, including research, leadership development, and experiential learning for postsecondary students. Key areas of collaboration include:

  • Research collaborations to tackle pressing health issues – including diabetes and seniors’ care – and expand eligible funding sources for both Trent and PRHC
  • Development of data infrastructure and data governance to support seamless and secure knowledge exchanges between healthcare professionals and academic researchers
  • Undergraduate and volunteer experience in the hospital for Trent students
  • Development of micro-credentials on healthcare leadership
  • Adjunct teaching opportunities PRHC staff to serve as adjunct instructors and clinical mentors at Trent
  • Sustainability and energy initiatives that help both institutions progress toward reduced environmental footprints

The new agreement builds on a long history of collaboration between Trent University and PRHC, including co-ops and internships for Trent students at the health centre and community-based research projects.

“This is just the beginning of this new avenue of collaboration, and we look forward to sharing more stories and outcomes from the work we do together in the coming months and years with the Peterborough community,” said Julie Davis, vice president, External Relations & Development.

“When strong partners such as PRHC and Trent University work together, supported by their community donors, so much more becomes possible. This is an exciting new example of collaboration and collective efforts fuelling innovation and progress that will help us reimagine what healthcare looks like in our region and create a healthier, stronger community for all,” said Lesley Heighway, President, PRHC Foundation.

About PRHC

Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) is a regional hospital delivering acute healthcare to a rapidly growing population of more than 300,000 in Peterborough and the surrounding communities, including the First Nations of Curve Lake, Hiawatha and Alderville. With an annual budget of nearly $390 million, and a proud local history extending back over a century, PRHC has nearly 500 inpatient beds and offers a wide range of services, including specialized programs in renal, stroke, cardiac, cancer care, vascular surgery and mental health & addictions. PRHC is located in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada – a 90-minute drive north-east of Toronto. We are the region’s largest employer with more than 3,100 staff, 450 physicians with privileges, and 250 volunteers.

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.

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For more information contact:

Michelene Ough, Director, Communications, PRHC | mough@prhc.on.ca

Justin Beaudoin, Senior Communications & Media Relations Officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6180 or justinbeaudoin@trentu.ca