About Partners in Research

Partners in Research (PIR) was a Canadian charity that connected the public, especially young people, with the people and ideas behind scientific research.

Formally established on April 20, 1988, with launch ceremonies in Toronto and London, Ontario, PIR grew from collaborations between researchers and community members in both cities. Ron Calhoun became its first Executive Director.

An educational mission

PIR’s original focus was biomedical and health research: explaining its history, achievements and promise, including the responsible and humane use of animals in research when necessary. Canadian schools were a priority, with literature and audiovisual educational resources provided at no cost.

Volunteers, patrons, researchers, hospitals, universities and other supporters helped sustain that work. London, Toronto and Ottawa chapters built community connections, while fundraising galas known as “The Evening” supported educational programs and recognized scientific achievement and public service.

Connecting classrooms with researchers

In 2005, Virtual Researcher On Call (VROC) began taking shape. Live video conversations allowed students to meet researchers and explore questions selected by their teachers. VROC broadened PIR’s reach into science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

STEM Camp began in 2013 with pilot locations in London and Woodstock. It continues PIR’s educational legacy through summer learning.

This tribute site preserves the history of PIR’s work from 1988 to 2020 and honours the people who made it possible.

Explore PIR’s history  ·  Read the historical archive

Historical sources: the PIR pamphlet and two documents written by Dr. Ronald G. Calhoun—“PIR History.docx” and “PIR History Forward.docx”—all supplied by Kevin Cougler. Source notes and selected original passages appear in the historical archive.