SSHRC unveils the finalists of the 2026 Storytellers Challenge
Date published: March 23, 2026
The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) is proud to announce the 2026 Storytellers Challenge finalists. This group of trailblazing students demonstrates the positive impact that social sciences and humanities research has on our society and showcases that research isn’t just about data—it’s about people, culture and our shared future.
By condensing complex SSHRC-funded research projects into a three-minute audio or video clip, a written creative narrative or infographic of up to 300 words, this year’s submissions showcase immense creativity and visionary thinking. A wide range of topics are covered—from the intersection of race and disability in pediatric rehabilitation services; to service workers’ experiences in addressing intimate partner violence, mental health and substance use; and the use of visual storytelling and graphic art in genocide and human rights education.
Finalists each receive $3,000 (or $1,500 in the case of a collaborative submission) and will advance to Phase 2 of the Challenge, where they will present their research story at the Storytellers Showcase and be judged on their live storytelling skills. The Showcase will be held at the Science Writers and Communicators of Canada conference on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Montréal, Quebec. The five winners will each receive an additional $1,000.
The 2026 Storytellers Challenge finalists:
- Sydney Ambury, Lakehead University
- Nayadeth Arriagada, University of Waterloo
- Rachel Barber, Queen’s University
- Andrea Bentz, University of Ottawa
- Alessia Cataudella, Queen’s University
- Geneviève Fournier and Émil Lavoie, Université Laval
- Noah Laskey, University of Toronto
- Alissa Latiff, Ontario Tech University
- Tara Lundy, Western University
- Kathleen Motluk, University of Toronto
- Teagan Neufeld, Lakehead University
- Alexandria Pavelich, University of Saskatchewan
- Diana Peña Ruiz, Institut national de la recherche scientifique
- Shangrila Plaza, Simon Fraser University
- Li-elle Rapaport, University of Manitoba
- Jaclyn Roach, University of Regina
- Suhantee Sathananthan, McGill University
- Colleen Van Loon, Western University
- Emily Sussex, Western University
- Ghada Youssef, University of Victoria
Visit the 2026 Storytellers Gallery to view the finalists’ submissions.
For more information, contact:
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
Media relations
medias@sshrc-crsh.gc.ca