The Storytellers
SSHRC’s Storytellers Challenge asks postsecondary students to show Canadians, in up to three minutes or 300 words, how social sciences and humanities research is impacting our lives, our world and our future for the better.
Tell us about great SSHRC-funded research happening at your postsecondary institution. Your story must be compelling, creative and clear.
How do I enter?
Must be a Canadian resident 19 years of age or older.
Must be enrolled at a Canadian postsecondary institution.
Create a video or audio clip of up to three minutes or a written creative narrative or infographic of up to 300 words.
Submit original work featuring SSHRC-funded research carried out at the institution at which you are enrolled at the time of submission.
Feature your own research project or that of a researcher at your institution (make sure you get their permission).
The deadline to submit your story is
Read the full rules and regulations
| Date | Time (eastern) | Language | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. | English |
Registration and webinar link |
| Thursday, November 13, 2025 | 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. | French |
Registration and webinar link |
Quick tips
Focus
Ask yourself: What is the most important information people need to know about this research?
Talk to all of us
Use plain language. Avoid jargon. Use analogies and images from everyday life. Come up with a short, attention-grabbing title.
Make it relatable
People (including judges!) are interested in things that affect them personally. Show and tell how this research might matter to them.
Show and tell
Think of a gripping start to your entry that will grab attention in the first few seconds or words. Use compelling visuals wherever you can.
Frequently asked questions
I am not a permanent Canadian resident / I am an international student. Can I still participate in the Challenge?
Yes. The challenge is open to student permit/visa holders and students 19 years of age or older who submit original work featuring SSHRC-funded research being carried out at the Canadian postsecondary institution at which they are enrolled from Phase 1 to Phase 2 of the challenge.
I am not SSHRC-funded. Can I still participate in the challenge?
Yes! You don’t need to feature your own research. You can ask permission from a researcher at your home institution to tell a story about their SSHRC-funded research. Make sure to follow the eligibility critieria.
Can I submit a story with someone else?
Yes. Collaborative submissions are accepted. We only allow collaborative submissions by two students. Both students need to follow the eligibility criteria. However, should a collaborative submission be successful in any phase (1 or 1 and 2), the financial remuneration awarded would be split and distributed evenly among both of the submission’s applicants.
What submission formats are accepted and what are the judging criteria?
Students can submit a story in any of four different formats to communicate about a SSHRC-funded research project’s key findings, impact and/or methodology. Phase 1 submissions that meet all eligibility requirements will be judged as follows:
- 30% Creativity/Engagement (compelling your audience)
- 30% Persuasiveness (communicating the impact)
- 40% Clarity (explaining the research)
- Creative written narrative: SSHRC has updated the text submission format this year. A successful creative written narrative should demonstrate the power of written language to evoke emotions and paint vivid scenes. Examples could include a short essay, a poem or song lyrics. Research summaries and CVs will not be accepted.
- Infographic: A powerful storytelling format that uses a combination of written narrative, graphics, charts and illustrations.
- Audio: A piece of audio (e.g., podcast, song or poem) that draws the listener in.
- Video: A short film that skillfully blends visual and audio elements.
What programs are eligible?
All SSHRC programs and initiatives are eligible. The Challenge is not open to postdoctoral researchers.
Students can submit a story about a New Frontiers in Research Fund or Canada First Research Excellence Fund funded research project; however, the social sciences and humanities research component of the project must be evident.
SSHRC will not accept submissions featuring research projects funded by the following tri-agency institutional programs:
- Canada Biomedical Research Fund and Biosciences Research Infrastructure Fund
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Canada Research Chairs (SSHRC Canada Research Chairs research is acceptable)
- CIHR and NSERC Canada Excellence Research Chairs (SSHRC Canada Excellence Research Chairs research is acceptable)
- CIHR and NSERC Canada 150 Research Chairs (SSHRC Canada 150 Research Chairs research is acceptable)
- Research Support Fund