“We are, as a species, addicted to story,” says English professor Jonathan Gottschall in his book, The Storytelling Animal. This statement holds true, as storytelling has been an integral part of human culture since the beginning of time. From cave paintings to oral traditions to written literature, we have always been drawn to stories. They have the power to captivate us, inspire us, and even shape our beliefs and perceptions of the world. And now, Canada’s Storytellers Challenge is seeking to harness this power to showcase the compelling narratives of student research.
The Storytellers Challenge, organized by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), is an annual competition that invites post-secondary students to share their research through engaging and innovative storytelling. The competition is open to students from all disciplines, including the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. The goal is to encourage students to communicate their research in a way that is accessible and engaging to a wider audience, beyond the academic community.
The theme for this year’s competition is “Research for a Better Life.” This theme is particularly timely, as we navigate through a global pandemic and face various social and environmental challenges. The Storytellers Challenge is an opportunity for students to showcase how their research can contribute to finding solutions and improving the lives of Canadians.
The competition is divided into two categories: the Storytellers Award and the Emerging Storytellers Award. The Storytellers Award is open to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, while the Emerging Storytellers Award is open to undergraduate students. Each category has a grand prize of $3,000, with additional prizes for the runners-up.
To participate in the competition, students must submit a three-minute video that tells the story of their research. The video can be in any format, such as a documentary, animation, or spoken word. The key is to be creative and engaging while effectively communicating the research. A panel of judges, including media and communications professionals, will evaluate the submissions based on the storytelling quality, creativity, and how well the research is communicated.
The Storytellers Challenge not only provides an opportunity for students to showcase their research, but it also helps them develop essential skills in communication and storytelling. These skills are becoming increasingly important in today’s job market, where the ability to effectively communicate complex ideas is highly valued. Participating in the competition can also open doors for students to collaborate with media outlets or organizations interested in their research.
Moreover, the competition highlights the importance of research and its impact on society. Often, research can seem distant and inaccessible to the general public. However, through storytelling, students can bridge this gap and show how their research can have a real-world impact. By sharing their stories, they can inspire others to get involved and support research that can lead to a better life for all Canadians.
The Storytellers Challenge has been running for six years now, and it has become a highly anticipated event in the academic community. Each year, the submissions showcase the incredible research being conducted by students across Canada. From exploring the effects of climate change to addressing social issues such as mental health and poverty, the stories are diverse and thought-provoking.
Last year’s winner of the Storytellers Award, Nada Salem, shared her research on the experiences of Syrian refugee women in Canada through a powerful spoken word performance. Her video, titled “Ain’t I a Woman,” not only won the grand prize but also gained widespread recognition and was featured in various media outlets. Salem’s story is a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to bring important issues to the forefront.
The Storytellers Challenge is not just a competition; it is a celebration of the incredible research being conducted by students across Canada. It is a platform for students to share their stories and inspire others with their passion and dedication to their research. It also highlights the importance of investing in research and the impact it can have on our society.
As Jonathan Gottschall said, “We are, as a species, addicted to story.” The Storytellers Challenge is a testament to this addiction and the power of storytelling to bring people together, spark curiosity, and drive change. So, if you are a post-secondary student with a passion for research and storytelling, I encourage you to take part in this year’s competition. Your story could be the one that inspires and makes a difference.
In conclusion, the Storytellers Challenge is a unique and exciting opportunity
