Research Centres

Our faculty are actively engaged in innovative research across diverse areas of nursing and health sciences, contributing to both scholarly literature and real-world practice improvements. Students can explore and learn from this work through easy access in Zotero, creating opportunities to connect with faculty-led research, enrich their learning, and be inspired to build upon the work happening right here at Lakehead.

Lakehead University’s School of Nursing is proud to lead four research centres focused on advancing health and well-being through impactful research, education, and community collaboration. From aging and ethics to youth development and safe driving, our centres reflect a strong commitment to improving health outcomes locally and beyond. Learn more about each centre below.

Centre for Education and Research on Aging & Health (CERAH) 

Located at Lakehead University’s Balmoral Street Centre in Thunder Bay, CERAH is a dynamic hub dedicated to improving aging and health across Northwestern Ontario and beyond. The Centre leads and supports a wide range of initiatives, from conducting impactful research and offering professional education to organizing community workshops, conferences, and knowledge exchange events. CERAH’s work is deeply collaborative, bringing together researchers, healthcare professionals, and community partners to create meaningful change. Learn more about their projects, partnerships, and resources by visiting their website.

Centre for Healthcare Ethics (CHCE)

Based at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, the Centre for Health Care Ethics (CHCE) is a leading hub for research, education, and capacity building in the field of bioethics. With strong local and regional partnerships, the Centre brings together academic and clinical expertise to support ethical decision-making in health care. CHCE is proud to host a shared bioethicist and actively contributes to national and international conversations, with a growing focus on Indigenous perspectives in health care ethics. Learn more about their work by visiting their website.

Centre of Education and Research on Positive Youth Development (CERPYD)

Located at Lakehead University, CERPYD is dedicated to advancing the well-being of children and youth through research, education, and collaboration. With a focus on mental health, addictions, education, and youth justice, the Centre works closely with schools, service providers, and community organizations, particularly in rural and northern communities, to ensure research leads to real-world impact. By promoting a strength-based approach and increasing access to valuable information and services, CERPYD aims to support healthy development and brighter futures for young people. Learn more about their work by visiting their website. 

Centre for Research on Safe Driving (CRSD)

The Centre for Research on Safe Driving at Lakehead University is committed to reducing traffic-related crashes by advancing our understanding of the key factors that contribute to safe driving. With a focus on older adults, the Centre explores the impact of health, cognition, emerging technologies, and retraining programs on driving safety. Through interdisciplinary research, student mentorship, and evidence-based interventions, the Centre works to improve mobility, independence, and quality of life—while informing policy and practice at local, national, and international levels. Learn more about their work by visiting their website.