In the words of Dr. Ron Calhoun…

In the late 1980s, I found myself deeply troubled by a growing tide of skepticism directed toward science and research in Canada — particularly in the area of biomedical and health research. Misinformation was spreading, and public trust in the scientific community was being eroded by loud voices of doubt and misunderstanding. At the same time, Canada was producing world-class research that was changing lives, but the connection between the research community and the average Canadian had all but disappeared. I felt we had a responsibility not only to defend science, but to share its story. It was during this time that I came to believe the future of science would depend not solely on funding or policy, but on public understanding — and that understanding had to begin with the young.

The idea for Partners In Research (PIR) began to crystallize when I was working with the Canadian Coalition for Biomedical and Health Research, advocating on behalf of the scientific community in Ottawa. While lobbying efforts were important, I quickly realized they were not enough — we needed to reach the hearts and minds of everyday Canadians, especially students. It was Dr. Henry Barnett, one of Canada’s most respected neurologists, who issued a challenge that would shape my life’s work: “Ron, if you really want to make a difference, take your message to the schools.” That single sentence lit a fire in me. I envisioned a national movement where scientists and researchers would leave the lab, step into classrooms, and inspire young minds with the reality and promise of discovery. PIR was born not from institutional planning, but from that simple, powerful truth: if you want to build public support for science, start with the kids.

In 1988, we took the first steps toward making that vision real. A small group of like-minded individuals came together in London, Ontario, and formally established Partners In Research as a not-for-profit corporation. We were driven by urgency, passion, and a shared conviction that science education had to be rescued from neglect and made exciting again. The original charter included representatives from Western University, Robarts Research Institute, the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, and other committed partners. Our purpose was clear: to support Canadian research and innovation by promoting a better understanding of the importance of science — particularly biomedical and health research — to the public, with a special focus on youth. We knew we had no time to waste. Our schools were filled with students full of questions and wonder, but too few opportunities to connect with the people doing the work that could answer those questions and fuel their curiosity.

Our early efforts were grassroots and hands-on. We visited classrooms, attended teacher conventions, and met with researchers in their labs. I personally crisscrossed the country with a slide projector in tow, giving presentations to Rotary Clubs, school boards, and anyone who would listen. We built relationships with teachers and principals who believed in the power of science to transform student thinking. Most of all, we asked scientists to take part — to leave their microscopes for a moment and tell their story in language young people could understand. These scientists didn’t need to be entertainers or public speakers — they just needed to be real, passionate, and honest about their work.

As the years progressed, PIR began to grow in reach and reputation. We worked closely with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and other national agencies that shared our vision. We began forming partnerships with post-secondary institutions across the country, from Memorial University in the East to the University of Calgary in the West. Many of these institutions began encouraging their researchers to take part in PIR’s programs as part of their community outreach efforts. Our work was now national in scope — and we were just getting started.

One of our proudest achievements came with the development of Virtual Researcher On Call (VROC). This program harnessed emerging video conferencing technology to connect classrooms with researchers in real time. Students in remote or underserved communities could speak face-to-face with a biologist, engineer, or medical researcher without ever leaving their school. This was not a pre-recorded lecture — this was interaction. Students could ask questions, express their curiosity, and engage directly with people working at the frontiers of knowledge. It was, in every sense, a game-changer for science education in Canada.

Our programming continued to evolve. We began producing podcasts to help bridge the gap between research and post-secondary learning, inviting leading scientists, engineers, and computer scientists to speak about their work in a format that could be used in college and university classrooms. We created awards to honour excellence in science communication and educational outreach. We developed classroom resources, videos, and other tools to support teachers who wanted to bring real-world science into their lessons. Throughout it all, we never lost sight of our core mission: to make science personal, exciting, and accessible — one student at a time.

The success of PIR was never about me. It was about the incredible team of volunteers, educators, scientists, and supporters who gave their time, energy, and ideas to something larger than themselves. People like Dr. Barnett, Dr. Connelly, and Bob Strong. People like Elaine Calhoun, who supported the work tirelessly from behind the scenes. People from all walks of life who believed, as I did, that a single conversation with a student could change the course of a life. We were united by a sense of purpose — and a belief that Canada’s future depended on the minds of its youth being opened to possibility.

Looking back, I’m proud of what we accomplished. We brought science out of the lab and into the classroom. We helped students see that researchers aren’t distant figures in white coats, but real people doing work that matters. We gave scientists a voice, and we gave young people a reason to listen. I believe our work helped to foster a new generation of thinkers, problem-solvers, and innovators who will carry forward the values of curiosity, evidence, and exploration.

This site exists not to boast about past achievements, but to honour the mission and the people who made PIR what it was. Partners In Research may no longer be active as an organization, but its spirit lives on — in every student who was inspired, every researcher who shared their story, and every teacher who opened their classroom to something new. I am deeply grateful to all who walked this path with me.

— Ron Calhoun