“We are, as a species, addicted to story,” says English professor Jonathan Gottschall in his book, The Storytelling Animal. This statement holds true not only for the entertainment industry but also for the academic world. Stories have the power to captivate our minds and hearts, and when combined with research, they have the potential to inspire and educate. This is precisely what Canada’s Storytellers Challenge aims to do – to showcase the compelling narratives of student research.
The Storytellers Challenge is an initiative of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) of Canada. It is a national competition that invites post-secondary students to share their research in a creative and engaging way. The competition has been running since 2012 and has received an overwhelming response from students across the country. This year, the challenge has been revamped to include a new category – the COVID-19 Storytellers Challenge, which focuses on research related to the ongoing pandemic.
The main objective of the Storytellers Challenge is to bridge the gap between academic research and the general public. Often, research findings are confined within the walls of academia, and the general public remains unaware of the groundbreaking work being done by students. The Storytellers Challenge aims to change that by encouraging students to communicate their research in a way that is accessible and relatable to a wider audience.
The competition is open to all students enrolled in a post-secondary institution in Canada, regardless of their field of study. The only requirement is that the research must fall under the social sciences and humanities disciplines. This includes a wide range of topics such as economics, psychology, sociology, history, and more. The competition is not limited to traditional research projects; it also welcomes creative works such as short films, podcasts, and graphic novels.
The Storytellers Challenge not only provides a platform for students to showcase their research but also offers them the opportunity to develop their storytelling skills. In today’s world, where effective communication is crucial, being able to convey complex ideas in a simple and engaging manner is a valuable skill. Participating in the competition allows students to hone their communication skills and present their research in a way that is both informative and entertaining.
The competition is divided into two stages – regional and national. In the regional stage, students submit a three-minute video or audio clip that summarizes their research. A panel of judges evaluates the submissions based on their creativity, storytelling ability, and how well they communicate the research. The top 25 entries from each region are then selected to move on to the national stage. In the national stage, the finalists are given the opportunity to attend a storytelling workshop and receive coaching from experts in the field. They are then required to submit a revised version of their original submission, which is evaluated by a panel of judges. The winners of the national competition are announced at the annual Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences, Canada’s largest academic gathering.
Apart from the recognition and exposure that comes with participating in the Storytellers Challenge, there are also cash prizes to be won. The top five finalists in each category – English and French – receive a cash prize of $3,000, $2,500, $2,000, $1,500, and $1,000 respectively. The winners also get the opportunity to attend the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences and present their research to a wider audience.
The Storytellers Challenge has been a huge success since its inception, with hundreds of students participating each year. It has not only helped to bridge the gap between academia and the general public but has also encouraged students to think creatively and communicate their research effectively. The competition has also been praised for its inclusivity, as it welcomes submissions from students of all backgrounds and disciplines.
This year’s COVID-19 Storytellers Challenge is of particular significance, as it focuses on research related to the ongoing pandemic. The competition provides a platform for students to share their findings and insights on a topic that has affected the entire world. It also allows for a better understanding of the social, economic, and cultural impact of the pandemic.
In conclusion, Canada’s Storytellers Challenge is a unique and innovative way to showcase the compelling narratives of student research. It not only promotes effective communication but also encourages students to think outside the box and present their research in a creative and engaging manner. The competition has been a huge success in the past, and with the addition of the COVID-19 category, it is expected
