Major Research Partnership Announced Between University of Regina and Jim Pattison Children's Hospital Foundation
The University of Regina and the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital Foundation have entered into a significant research partnership valued at $1.5 million. This substantial funding represents the inaugural grant from the foundation's provincial Maternal and Pediatric Research Fund, marking a milestone collaboration between the two institutions.
Focus on Child Trauma and Family Health Research
During a news conference held at the University of Regina's campus on Thursday, March 26, 2026, foundation CEO Troy Davies announced the partnership, emphasizing that despite the hospital's location in Saskatoon, their support extends across the entire province. "Even though our hospital is located in Saskatoon, our support doesn't stop at the city's borders," Davies stated. "We support province-wide research on children and maternal health, so today's announcement is something we're extremely excited about."
The funding will support the University of Regina's Child Trauma Research Centre, which was established in 2020 to conduct multidisciplinary research aimed at reducing the negative health, social, emotional, and economic effects of childhood trauma. According to CTRC director Dr. Nathalie Reid, this grant represents the largest single contribution the centre has ever received.
Expanding Research Capabilities and Scope
The $1.5 million grant will enable the CTRC to significantly expand its research activities in several critical areas affecting children and families. Dr. Reid explained that the centre is currently working on multiple research projects, including:
- The experiences of youth in families of public safety workers
- The impacts of educators' well-being on children
- The generational cycle of trauma during the perinatal period
- The importance of cultural foods for refugee or immigrant families
Looking ahead, Dr. Reid indicated that the centre plans to expand its research into additional areas, including the impact of social media on youth mental health and the traumatic effects of forest fires and evacuations on families. "This will result in leading research for this province," Reid said of the JPCHF grant. "I am so excited for the next five years, and what we'll be able to do."
Building on Existing Research Infrastructure
Since its establishment in 2020, the Child Trauma Research Centre has conducted 29 research projects, collaborating with seven different faculties at the University of Regina, 12 faculties from other Canadian universities, and organizations including the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation.
The partnership represents a four-year effort by the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital Foundation to identify its inaugural research partner for the Maternal and Pediatric Research Fund. This collaboration demonstrates a growing commitment to addressing childhood trauma and family health issues through evidence-based research that can inform policy and practice across Saskatchewan and beyond.
Dr. Reid emphasized that the funding will support the centre's ongoing research into various areas linked to trauma, wellness, health, and resilience affecting children and families. The multidisciplinary approach of the CTRC ensures that research findings will have practical applications for improving the lives of children and families experiencing trauma across the province.
