Peterborough — The Ontario government is investing $537,788 in research projects at Trent University. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, supporting homegrown research at Trent University will lead to groundbreaking discoveries and real-world applications that protect good-paying jobs, improve lives, and keep businesses on the cutting edge of innovation to compete in the global market.
“Trent University continues to serve as a cornerstone of intellectual and economic vitality within our region,” said Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha. “By strategically investing in these five diverse research streams, our government is catalyzing the transition from academic inquiry to real-world application. This targeted provincial investment ensures that Peterborough remains a premier hub for high-value innovation—equipping our researchers with the sophisticated infrastructure necessary to address global challenges in environmental stewardship and public health, while simultaneously strengthening Ontario’s competitive advantage in the global knowledge economy.” MPP Smith added.
This investment is part of the government’s $47 million investment to support 195 cutting-edge projects through the Ontario Research Fund. Colleges, universities, and hospitals can use the funding to build, renovate, and acquire state-of-the-art equipment for critical research projects and research facilities. The projects will drive economic growth and innovation in key sectors like agri-food, critical minerals, information technology, life sciences, and manufacturing.
In Peterborough, the research at Trent University will explore a wide range of critical fields, including environmental stewardship, human health, and climate resilience.
Funded Projects at a Glance
Environmental Protection ($149,049): Focused on the development of biopolymers—polymers produced by living organisms—to create advanced materials capable of removing pollutants from water sources.
Ecosystem Preservation ($135,338): Research into Nitrogen (N) levels to evaluate how nutrient impairment affects aquatic systems and the richness of terrestrial plant species.
Health and Aging ($99,104): A study investigating how skeletal muscle and adipose tissue are affected by obesity, aging, and chronic diseases like cardiovascular dysfunction.
Climate Resilience ($83,593): Exploring the lifelong effects of temperature stress on the metabolism of native mammals to better predict resilience against climate change.
Cognitive Rehabilitation ($70,704): Infrastructure for EEG technology to study the cognitive impacts of hearing loss and explore the therapeutic role of music in patient rehabilitation.
“Grants through the Ontario Research Fund are an important part of how Trent experts achieve national and global impact through research,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “New and welcome ORF funding will help researchers take leaps in their work by investing in new infrastructure and equipment, which open new opportunities for discovery and student training and advance the knowledge and skills of Ontario’s workforce.” Dr. Bruce added.
“In the face of economic uncertainty, Ontario researchers are bolstering our critical industries with discoveries that cement our province as a global leader,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “This investment in our world-class colleges, universities and hospitals will advance the sectors that drive our economy, create jobs, and save lives.”
By supporting high-impact, homegrown research, the province is continuing to ensure Ontario remains one of the most competitive places to invest and do business in the G7.
Quick Facts
Research projects supported through the Ontario Research Fund are selected through a rigorous and competitive peer review process. Since taking office, the government has invested over $2 billion into the research sector, including support for over 1,800 research projects through the Ontario Research Fund and Early Researcher Awards programs. The Ontario Research Fund and Early Researcher Awards programs have supported the creation of more than 150,000 training opportunities for researchers and students across the province. In September 2025, Ontario invested $18 million to boost the production of life-saving medical isotopes at the McMaster Nuclear Reactor. In November 2025, Ontario provided $19.5 million to establish the Centre for Fusion Energy, advancing clean energy research.
Additional Resources Learn about research funding in Ontario Read about phase 2 of Ontario’s Life Sciences Strategy
Media Contact: Dave Smith Action Centre 705-742-3777 dave.smithco@pc.ola.org |