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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TRU researchers awarded prestigious federal grants
Three TRU faculty members are among the recipients of $1.7 billion in federal funding for researchers and students nationwide.
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Wildfire expert publishes research about drought and overnight blazes in Nature
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Lecture series ignites minds, inspires change
A lecture series by Arts faculty that focuses on issues of human rights and social justice has returned for its third year.
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Lecture explores how technology is revolutionizing precision ranching
The Faculty of Science's Dr. John Church looks at innovative practices and technologies used in precision ranching in an upcoming lecture.
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Meeting their match: event links researchers and students
More than 70 TRU students discovered research opportunities and connected with 20 faculty members at the inaugural Strike The Match event.
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Lecture examines ag gag laws aimed at concealing animal abuse
Law's Katie Sykes highlights the problems with agricultural gag laws, which ban undercover reporting about farms, in an upcoming lecture.
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
In a Nutshell – Undergraduate Thesis Competition
Date: March 20, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: OLARA
In a Nutshell is an annual undergraduate research competitionwhere students are challenged to present their research.
Three Minute Thesis
Date: March 21, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Location: OLARA
The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is an internationally recognized research communication competition.
TRU Undergraduate Research and Innovation Conference
Date: March 25 - All Day
Location: Main Library
The TRU Library is once again pleased to be a partner in hosting the 19th annual TRU Undergraduate Research and Innovation Conference.
Distinguished lecture in Human Rights and Social Justice
Date: April 3, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Campus Activity Centre
The Faculty of Arts is pleased to announce the Dean's Distinguished Lecture on Human Rights and Social Justice.
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.