(Ottawa, April 4, 2016)—The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) today announced the Top 25 finalists in its 2016 Storytellers challenge.
The annual contest challenges postsecondary students from across the country to demonstrate—in three minutes or 300 words—how SSHRC-funded research is making a difference in the lives of Canadians. The top entries this year addressed a range of issues—from sustainable technologies and digital inequality, to food security, transgender issues and special-needs education—and highlighted how knowledge about the social sciences and humanities helps Canadians understand and improve the world around us.
"Every year, the Storytellers contest lets us recognize, reward and encourage the very best in research communication,” said SSHRC President Ted Hewitt. “These students have taken complex ideas and communicated them in clear, compelling ways. These skills will serve them throughout their careers, and will help shine a spotlight on the benefits of research in the humanities and social sciences. My congratulations to our Top 25!”
The Top 25 finalists, representing 18 postsecondary institutions from across Canada, each receive a cash prize of $3,000 and will go on to compete in The Storytellers Showcase at the 2016 Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences, May 28 to June 3 at the University of Calgary.
Starting April 19, SSHRC will feature five finalists each week via its website and on social media. In addition, a list of Honourable Mentions can be found on the SSHRC YouTube channel.
The Top 25 finalists were selected from among nearly 200 entries by some 30 expert judges in Canada and abroad. “These students really show how SSHRC funding provides unique opportunities to tackle important questions and have an impact,” said contest judge Jennifer Corriero, executive director of TakingITGlobal. “I was once again moved by many of the submissions.”
Follow SSHRC’s Twitter feed and #SSHRCStorytellers to find out more about the campaign in the lead-up to the Storytellers Showcase at Congress 2016.
This year’s Top 25 finalists are: