Empowering and STEM Education

Partners in Research · 1988–2020

A Canadian legacy in research education.

Connecting curious minds with the people behind discovery.

Partners in Research brought biomedical research and STEM learning into Canadian classrooms and communities. This site preserves its story and honours the people who made it possible.
Explore our historyVisit the archive
Children and a counsellor working together on a hands-on camp activity
Learning through hands-on exploration. From the PIR website’s camp photograph collection.
1988PIR formally launches in Toronto and London on April 20.
2005Virtual Researcher On Call begins taking shape.
2013STEM Camp opens its first two pilot locations.

Ideas that opened doors

Research became a conversation.

From classroom connections to community events and summer camps, PIR created ways for young people to meet researchers, ask questions and explore new interests.

Virtual Researcher On Call

Live video conversations connected classrooms with scientists and other researchers, guided by teachers’ questions and curriculum interests. Discover VROC →

The Scientific Journey

Community events brought students closer to research and recognized the educators who helped make those connections possible. Explore The Scientific Journey →

STEM Camp

A two-location pilot in London and Woodstock grew into a continuing educational legacy, bringing discovery into children’s summers. Read the STEM Camp story →

Delta curriculum resources

Story-based lessons linked investigations with expert mentorship. Browse 80 historical lesson PDFs by grade and topic.

Discover Delta →

Sanofi Biogenius Canada

Students worked with research mentors on biotechnology projects and shared their findings through a national competition.

Explore PIR’s role →

Explore all programs, podcasts and classroom initiatives →

Ron Calhoun holding an award certificate at a presentation
Ron Calhoun at an award presentation. From the PIR photograph collection.

The people behind the mission

Remembering Ron Calhoun.

As PIR’s first Executive Director, Ron brought people together around a belief in the value of research and public education. Kevin Cougler’s personal recollections reveal the mentor, storyteller and determined community leader behind that work. Read Ron’s story

Preserving the record

The story, in its own documents.

Explore PIR’s original mandate, Dr. Calhoun’s recollections, dated newsletters and the records behind its educational programs and awards.

Open the historical archive

The original mandateA historical pamphlet explains PIR’s origins and biomedical education mission.History and recollectionsDr. Ronald G. Calhoun’s history and foreword recall the chapters, volunteers and development of VROC.Newsletters in two languagesRead 17 original English and French newsletter PDFs from 2012–2013.Awards and community eventsExplore the National Awards and original Evening invitations.

Our Mission & Values

Partners in Research (PIR) was committed to fostering curiosity, innovation, and health awareness among young Canadians. Our programs aimed to inspire youth, promote scientific literacy, and create a lasting impact on communities across Canada.

From classrooms to research labs, Partners In Research (PIR) was a Canadian nonprofit that brought science, health research, and innovation into the lives of students across the country. For more than three decades, PIR connected youth and teachers with real researchers through award-winning programs — most notably, the groundbreaking Virtual Researcher On Call (VROC) initiative.

“Life is a delicate balance of forging into the future while preserving and building on the past.”

 – Dr. Ronald G. Calhoun, former Executive Director

“Partners In Research (PIR) was founded on the belief that connecting students with real-world researchers could spark a lifelong interest in science and a deeper appreciation for the role of research in our society. Our mission was to make science accessible, engaging, and personal — bringing it out of textbooks and into the lives of young people across Canada. It was my privilege to be involved.”

 – Kevin Cougler, former Executive Director

Dr. Ronald G. Calhoun

Dr. Ronald G. Calhoun was a visionary leader whose dedication to education and health research inspired countless young Canadians. His commitment to fostering curiosity and innovation laid the foundation for Partners in Research’s impactful programs. His legacy continues to influence STEM education and community engagement across Canada.

Our Journey from 1988 to 2020

Partners in Research dedicated over three decades to educating and inspiring Canadian youth in health research and STEM fields. From humble beginnings, it grew into a national leader, launching impactful programs, fostering innovation, and building a legacy that continues to influence education and health awareness today.

Throughout its 33 year history, Partners in Research launched numerous initiatives, including hands-on workshops, health campaigns, and STEM competitions, reaching thousands of students and educators nationwide.

The organization’s impact is reflected in the thousands of students inspired, the health awareness campaigns conducted, and the innovative programs developed, all contributing to a healthier, more educated generation.

Ron Calhoun’s vision and leadership were instrumental in shaping the organization’s mission. His dedication fostered a culture of curiosity, innovation, and community engagement that left a lasting legacy.

Learn more about Ron Calhoun’s inspiring story and his enduring influence on Canadian health and STEM education initiatives.

Explore Our Impactful Programs in Health and STEM Education

Partners in Research was dedicated to advancing health research and STEM education through innovative programs. These initiatives aimed to inspire young minds, promote health awareness, and provide valuable resources for educators. Discover the programs that made a difference in communities across Canada.

An image of children participating in a robotics workshop, showcasing active engagement and teamwork.
STEM Education Programs
Inspired students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on activities, workshops, and competitions. These programs fostered teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Learn More
A photo of a health seminar with a speaker engaging with students in a classroom setting.
Health Awareness Campaigns
Initiatives aimed at increasing awareness about health research among young people, including seminars, interactive sessions, and resource distribution. Empowered youth to make informed health decisions.
Learn More
A collage of images showcasing various Partners in Research programs, including science experiments, health seminars, and community outreach events.
Community Outreach Initiatives
Partners in Research extended its reach through various community outreach initiatives, fostering partnerships and providing resources to support education and health at the grassroots level.
Learn More

Making a Lasting Difference in Education and Health Research

Partners in Research significantly impacted Canadian education and health sectors. Through innovative programs and dedicated efforts, the organization fostered a deeper understanding of STEM and promoted healthier lifestyles among young people. Its legacy continues to inspire future generations.

  • Over 100, 000 students engaged in STEM programs.
  • 500+ schools benefited from educational resources.
  • 20, 000+ participants in health research awareness campaigns.
  • Improved health literacy among youth in 100+ communities.

Media Highlights

Explore photos, videos, and media showcasing our partners and programs in action.