Office of the Vice-President Research
Office of the Vice-President Research
Our mission
Thompson Rivers University will earn recognition as the most committed and innovative university in Canada for research and scholarship based on community partnerships; for involving graduate students in community-centred research; and for undergraduate research training.
Our actions will be defined by shared, deeply held values. We respect each other (Xyemstwécw), the land, knowledge, the peoples of our region and beyond.
Strategic Research Plan
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.
Thompson Rivers University campuses are on the traditional lands of the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc (Kamloops campus) and the T’exelc (Williams Lake campus) within Secwepemcúl’ecw, the traditional and unceded territory of the Secwépemc. The region TRU serves also extends into the territories of the St’át’imc, Nlaka’pamux, Nuxalk, Tŝilhqot'in, Dakelh, and Syilx peoples.
In the news
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Knowledge Makers shares Indigenous approach to research worldwide
The Knowledge Makers program at TRU has expanded Indigenous student research from the Kamloops campus to countries around the world.
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Student podcast spotlights undergraduate research
TRU undergraduate research ambassadors have created a podcast that promotes students’ research early in their academic journey.
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Discovery Grants boost student assistance for TRU researchers
TRU researchers have received a total of $912,500 through the NSERC Discovery Grants Program.
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Filling the gaps in homelessness research
MScEEM student Xingming Li’s research into the impact of rental prices and homelessness takes him to a national conference.
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Tulo Centre, University of Canterbury and TRU sign MOUs to collaborate on innovative Indigenous-led programming and research
The Tulo Centre, TRU and UC commit to further collaboration and exploration of opportunities to deliver unique Indigenous-led programming.
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Exploring the future of managing wildfires
Environmental Science student Leona Shepherd wants to change how wildfire management is approached.
More news
The Conversation
The Conversation is an international independent source of news and views from the academic and research community. TRU has been a contributing member since 2018.
More from The Conversation
Events
Respiratory therapy – mandatory info session
Date: October 5, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Location: Virtual
In the process of applying to the Respiratory Therapy program? Join us on Thursday, Oct. 5 from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Respiratory therapy – mandatory info session
Date: October 25, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Location: Virtual
In the process of applying to the Respiratory Therapy program? Join us on Wednesday, Oct. 25 from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Respiratory therapy – mandatory info session
Date: November 6, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Location: Virtual
In the process of applying to the Respiratory Therapy program? Join us on Monday, Nov. 6 from 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Meeting Open Access requirements
Date: November 7, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Location: Virtual
The Open Access movement works to provide access to information without financial or legal barriers.
View all TRU events View more research events
Research is on the rise at TRU
TRU research storytellers
Dr. Rees’s SSHRC-funded research helps to inform science and math education, providing children with a love of discovery and the confidence to ask great questions and look to science for the answers.