Trent University and PRHC Name Recipients of Inaugural Natalie Beavis Collaborative Research Grant

Trent University and Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) have named Sarah Berges, Laura Driscoll and Dr. Quazi Abidur Rahman as recipients of the inaugural Natalie Beavis Collaborative Grant, announced on Tuesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

PRHC’s Berges, Driscoll and Rahman, a professor in the Computer Sciences department at Trent University, were awarded the grant for their project: Data-Driven Patient Profiling to Understand ALC, Patient Flow, and Care Trajectories in Older Adults.

According to a press release, this research will combine healthcare data and clinical and health system expertise from PRHC and data analytics expertise from Trent to better understand the characteristics and care trajectories of older adults.

Understanding these patterns will support earlier care planning, reduce avoidable delays in transitions of care, and inform how healthcare and community services are organized for different groups of older adults said Evan Lyons, EVP, Digital Services & Transformation & CIO at PRHC.

“The value of data and technology lies in how we use them to better understand and respond to patients’ needs,” he stated. “By bringing together PRHC’s clinical expertise and Trent’s expertise in data analytics, this research will help us identify patterns in patient care journeys that can inform earlier planning and smoother transitions. It’s an opportunity to turn data into meaningful insights that support more coordinated care.”

The research grant selection was made by an evaluation committee that included senior leaders from both organizations. This research project was selected for its strong collaborative scope, meaningful equity, diversity and inclusion considerations, and the future research opportunities it offers.

“Trent University is pleased to see this grant helping facilitate regionally responsive collaborations between Trent and PRHC, collaborations that leverage the University’s strength in interdisciplinary research and the first-hand patient care experience of the PRHC team,” said Dr. Tana Allen, Trent Vice-President of Research & Innovation. “This project will showcase how academic disciplines like computer science and data analytics are important to the delivery of effective and efficient care that supports individual and community well-being.”

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.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.