Research addresses real-world challenges, improves peoples’ lives

Photo: Contributed

TRU president and vice-chancellor Brett Fairbairn.

When most people hear the word “research,” they likely envision an obscure academic activity far removed from their daily lives.

However, research is anything but detached. At Thompson Rivers University, it is a vital tool that addresses real-world challenges and improves lives, particularly in our community. Research at the university is not about obscure theories or concepts, it’s about gathering knowledge and applying it in ways that make a difference.

Here a look at some of the TRU faculty’s recent work, highlighting the practical, life-changing impact of research at the university:

• Contributing significantly to health research at TRU is Rod McCormick, a professor and research chair recently recognized by the Royal Society of Canada for his work. McCormick’s research is centred on Indigenous mental health, a field in which he emerged as a national leader. His work focuses on the unique challenges faced by Indigenous peoples, blending traditional knowledge and contemporary therapeutic practices. This intersection of knowledge systems is crucial in addressing the deep-seated health disparities affecting Indigenous communities. Being recognized by the Royal Society highlights the broader national and international significance of McCormick’s work, but for us here at TRU, it’s a reminder of the deeply practical and necessary research happening on our campus to address pressing social issues.

• Juanita Bacsu’s research focuses on population health and rural aging. It is a topic of immense relevance to Kamloops and other rural areas in British Columbia. Rural communities face unique challenges regarding health care, particularly as their populations age. Access to health services is often limited, and the infrastructure available in larger urban centres is absent. Bacsu’s research tackles these issues head-on, looking for ways to improve health outcomes for older adults in rural settings, where distance and availability of services often lead to significant disparities in care. Her findings have the potential to inform policies and practices that will ensure our aging population receives the care and support they need, regardless of where they live.
• Courtney Mason’s research is broadening our understanding of how Indigenous, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities engage with the rural economy. His work explores how these groups are included in, or often excluded from, discussions about land, resource management, and livelihoods in rural Canada. The implications are profound. As we work to address the ongoing impacts of colonialism, Mason’s research serves as a crucial guide in ensuring that policies around land use, conservation, and rural economies are inclusive and beneficial to Indigenous communities. Mason’s insights are essential for shaping a future that respects and integrates Indigenous knowledge and needs into the broader economic picture.
• Rob Hanlon’s expertise lies in international relations and global issues that impact Canada. Hanlon’s recent work on Canada-India relations and his trip to Xinjiang provide vital perspectives on complex geopolitical dynamics that increasingly influence Canadian foreign policy.
• Saira Bano’s recent article in The Conversation about the delicate relationship between Canada and India shows the impact our researchers can have on societally important discussions. Canada and India are currently embroiled in a period of intense diplomatic conflict. Understanding these dynamics is important to many, including policymakers and Canadians directly affected by shifts in immigration, trade, and global alliances.

While these research topics span various disciplines, there’s a common thread, each addresses significant challenges faced by individuals, communities, or nations.

And none are more pressing than the issue of climate change, particularly regarding wildfires, a topic that has been on the minds of many residents in our region over the past few years. It’s this last area of research that TRU aims to have the most impact.

TRU Wildlife, a joint initiative between TRU and the BC Wildfire Service, will see the faculty engage in wildfire research focusing on fire science, community and social resilience, health and well-being and Indigenous fire stewardship.

As wildfires become more frequent and severe due to climate change, this research takes on greater urgency. The practical outcomes of this work have the potential to save lives, protect property, and ensure that communities are better equipped to face what has become an ongoing threat.

Research, when you strip away the academic uniform, is about asking how we can make things better. At TRU, it’s not just a pursuit of knowledge for knowledge’s sake, it’s a pursuit of solutions.

Whether improving healthcare access, supporting Indigenous livelihoods, or preparing communities for the next wildfire season, the research happening here is grounded in the everyday concerns of real people.

And that’s what makes it so essential.

Brett Fairbairn is the president and vice-chancellor at Thompson Rivers University. He can be reached by email at [email protected].