Office of the Vice-President Research

Thompson Rivers University is entering a new phase where our research is advanced not only by individual scholars and projects, but also by strategic partnerships, collaborations and international networks. TRU’s new 2022-27 Strategic Research Plan articulates the key challenge areas where we will strive to make significant contributions during the next five years.

• Understanding and responding to changing climate, its consequences for our environments (built, natural, social), and pursuing sustainable solutions.
• Contributing to greater social cohesion and sense of belonging through a commitment to social justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility.
• Strengthening health, quality of life, and cultural sustainability in our local and regional communities.
• Advancing technological, social and economic development and innovation that improves people’s lives.
• Seeking truth, reconciliation, and rights through Indigenous-led research and capacity building.

Our Strategic Research Plan represents a road map to connecting research with community needs, engaging in global research challenges and ensuring the research enterprise contributes to the university’s 10-year strategic change goals. In the next 10 years, TRU will lead in community research and scholarship while supporting all faculty members in knowledge-seeking, knowledge creation, and creative inquiry.