Exploits Partnership Process

During the initial workshop of the Harris Centre's Thriving Region's Partnership Process, research priorities for the region are set through a facilitated discussion with stakeholders, partners, and interested citizens in the region from public, private, community and education sectors. These priorities are then used to open a call for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from the university community's researchers. A fund evaluation committee, comprised of local and academic members, reviews the EOIs and decides on three projects to move forward. To learn more about the general Thriving Regions Partnership Process, click here. 

In January, the Harris Centre, in partnership with Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC) Central, held its first Thriving Regions workshop in the Exploits region. 

Workshop participants developed nine broader themes and then selected four as their top priorities:

  1. Creative and Multiple Solutions to Health Care Needs
  2. Culture & Tourism
  3. Labour Force Development
  4. Regional Cooperation 

Further information on the discussions and identified themes can be found in the workshop’s summary report, "Exploits TRPP First Workshop Report"

Planning Team: Judy Dobson, Brian Fowlow, Betsy Saunders, Scott Sceviour, Stan Singh and Mark Whiffen

In February 2023, the Harris Centre released a Call for Expressions of Interest from Memorial University faculty, staff and students to complete research projects focusing on the priority themes identified above. A proposal evaluation committee comprised of local and academic members will choose which researchers will move forward in the process and attend a second workshop later in 2021. These researchers will then refine their research plans and incorporate input from the residents in the region.

A second workshop was held on June 28 at the College of the North Atlantic in Grand Falls Windsor for community members to learn more about the applied research projects being proposed for the region.

A Call for Expressions of Interest was re-opened in September 2023.

Contact The Harris Centre, harriscentre@mun.ca with any questions.