Doing Research Here

We are proud to support research here at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC). In addition to conducting research studies and clinical trials, the hospital has also invested in the development of Peregrine, a PRHC-designed platform that uses Microsoft Fabric to enable secure, governed data collection, transformation and analysis, providing real-time information to support decision-making and improve patient care. We support research across a broad range of areas, including cardiac care, nursing, nephrology, and geriatric care.

We invite anyone interested in research, from staff to student to industry, to get in touch and find out how we can help you at Research@prhc.on.ca.

PRHC Research Office

The PRHC Research Office is a dedicated group within the hospital that is responsible for supporting new and experienced researchers in initiating and executing research projects in Peterborough. By providing staff with a single point of contact, the Research Office makes it easier than ever to start up and conduct research at the hospital.

The Research Office is here to support staff, students and industry at any stage of the research process. This includes:

  • Research Development & Design
  • Compliance & Risk Management
  • Contracts & Partnerships
  • Project Setup & Management
  • Knowledge Translation & Impact
  • Required Training & Guidance
  • Student Placements & Capstone Projects

Research is one of PRHC’s strategic priorities, and a key commitment in our 2024-2029 Strategic Plan. We are dedicated to cultivating our research and innovation partnerships with industry and academic partners, and this has been realized through collaborations with Trent University, investments in our data and analysis infrastructure, and through the creation of the Research Office, which makes it easier for our staff to initiate research.

Our Nursing Strategy commits to “shaping the future together,” in part by building and strengthening strategic academic partnerships to enhance research collaborations and extend the impact of nursing practice within the healthcare community. This is being reflected at PRHC in nursing-specific training and tools focused on supporting nursing-related research, positioning our nurses at the forefront of evidence-based practice and knowledge creation. Opportunities like PRHC’s annual Nursing Innovation Symposium provide opportunities to highlight and recognize innovation.

Trent University

We have enjoyed a long and collaborative relationship with Trent University, and work together on areas such as including research, leadership development, and experiential learning for postsecondary students. We work to connect researchers and staff across both organizations with events like the Collider and our Community of Practice to make new connections and spread experience.

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 for 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

You can find the latest report from our 2026 Collider here.

PRHC is a member of Clinical Trials Ontario, and has hosted a wide variety of staff, researcher, and industry-led research. All research that takes place at PRHC, uses data generated at PRHC, or involves PRHC patients or staff requires approval from the PRHC Research Ethics Board (PRHC REB). They review all research to ensure it respects the autonomy of participants, protects their welfare, and treats all participants equitably, and that it conforms with Good Clinical Practice, the International Council for Harmonisation, and the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans.

Interested researchers are encouraged to submit their application package to ResearchEthics@prhc.on.ca, where it will be added to the review queue for the PRHC REB. Annual renewals, adverse events, or amendments should be sent to the same email.

If you are looking to learn more about partnering with PRHC or PRHC staff, or if you are an academic or industry partner looking to collaborate, please contact the Research Office at Research@prhc.on.ca. We are actively seeking new partners, and are excited to facilitate research at PRHC.

The Peterborough Regional Health Centre Research Ethics Board (PRHC REB) oversees all research involving humans that happens at the hospital. This is an independent board composed of community members, experts in science and law, and staff with specialty experience. They ensure that all research is conducted in accordance with Canadian and international legislation. 

The PRHC REB meets on the second Thursday of every month to review and approve research applications from interested researchers. All research at PRHC must receive approval from the PRHC REB before it can begin collecting information. You can submit your REB application or any questions to ResearchEthics@prhc.on.ca.

News & Events

PRHC x Trent Collider Event Report

Coming out of our April 2026 Trent x PRHC Collider, which brought 110 clinicians, researchers, and faculty together, this report outlines the major themes and ideas that came from each of the fourteen mixed working groups. Highlighting both current strengths and specific opportunities for the future, this report lays out the unique skills both bring to the table, and directions for future collaboration.

Read more:

PRHC x Trent Collider 2026 Report!

Collider Page

Natalie Beavis Collaborative Research Grant

We’re pleased to announce that submissions for the Natalie Beavis Collaborative Research Grant are now open. Named in honour of Natalie Beavis, proud Trent alumna and Director at PRHC who tirelessly championed research, this $21,525 grant supports applied, collaborative research projects that bring together researchers from both Trent and PRHC to fund research up to 12 months in length. They will be supported by a Trent student and applications will be evaluated by a jointly constituted committee with membership from both Trent University and PRHC. Interested researchers are invited to review the Terms of Reference below for more information, and when ready to submit your full application package to researchsupport@trentu.ca including “Beavis Collaborative Research Grant Application” in the subject line by Friday, September 25, 5:00 p.m. EDT. Have an idea and need help finding collaborators? Email PRHC at Research@prhc.on.ca or Trent at researchsupport@trentu.ca.

Research Grant Materials

Natalie Beavis Collaborative Research Grant – Terms of Reference​​

​​Natalie Beavis Collaborative Research Grant – Grant Proposal​​

Natalie Beavis Collaborative Research Grant – Budget Calculator

Natalie Beavis​​

Community of Practice

The first quarterly Research Community of Practice meeting will be held on Friday, August 27 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. This unique, collaborative, cross institution community will share research expertise, spark new ideas, and build meaningful research connections.

Hosted onsite at PRHC’s Learning Centre and available by teleconference via WebEx, the Community of Practice is an opportunity to:

  • Learn from real-world and academic research experiences
  • Exchange practical tools, methods, and lessons learned
  • Discover collaboration opportunities and future projects
  • Be part of a growing, connected research ecosystem

Sign up here