Trent University and PRHC Launch New Research Grant to Honour Former Late Health Centre Director

Trent University and Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) launched the Natalie Beavis Collaborative Research Grant – a new funding initiative designed to strengthen applied research partnerships and accelerate real-world impact across both institutions, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

The Grant is named after the late Natalie Beavis, a Trent alumna and former PRHC Director who passed away on Dec. 17.

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, PRHC executive vice president of digital services, strategy and transformation. “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. It brought together over 100 clinicians, researchers and faculty members 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 according to Dr. Tana Allen, Trent University vice-president of research and innovation.

“The healthcare needs of our region and the province require greater contributions of highly educated and experienced professionals,” she said. “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 this Friday at 5 p.m.

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