SSHRC Storytellers Competition Internal Call for 2026 Applications
Lakehead faculty members are encouraged to share this opportunity with any eligible undergraduate or graduate students working with them.
In preparation for the 2026 competition, Lakehead University is holding an internal competition to support up to two students’ submissions to the SSHRC Storytellers Competition.
The SSHRC Storytellers Challenge is an annual competition that asks postsecondary students to demonstrate to Canadians, in up to three minutes or 300 words, how Social Sciences and Humanities research is affecting our lives, our world, and our future for the better.
Who is Eligible to apply?
All Lakehead University undergraduate and graduate students who are Canadian residents, 19 years of age or older, and who are working on a SSHRC-funded research project (either their own or their professor’s/supervisor’s) conducted at Lakehead University at the time of submission are eligible to apply. These requirements are determined by SSHRC.
NOTE: The Storyteller’s Challenge is only open to postsecondary students (i.e., undergraduate or graduate level). It is not open to postdoctoral researchers. It is also not open to SSHRC employees and their immediate family members and those living in the same household (whether legally related or not).
Previous winners are eligible to enter the Storyteller’s Challenge if:
- the research featured in their submission is materially different, as determined by SSHRC, from that of their previous winning submission(s); and
- they meet all other eligibility requirements.
What is required to apply?
Eligible students must create a video or audio clip of up to three minutes or a text or infographic of up to 300 words that showcases the SSHRC-funded research in a compelling, creative, and clear manner.
Lakehead University’s Internal Call for Applications
In preparation for the 2026 Storytellers Challenge, Lakehead University is holding an internal competition to support up to two students’ submissions to the SSHRC Storytellers Competition.
Some funding will be available to support up to two students’ submissions. A review committee will consider all eligible applications, and recommend up to two students’ submissions for internal funding and support. Funds can be used to help in the filming and production of either a three minute video, text, infographic, or audio file.
Support will also be available for planning and producing the final submission, including script development and, for videos, filming support on campus (if required).
Application Process and Requirements:
Please complete the application, linked here by Friday, June 20, 2025 at 11:59PM.
Selection Process
A review committee will be established to evaluate and rank applications according to the three areas outlined by SSHRC: 1) Creativity/Engagement (compelling your audience), 2) Persuasiveness (communicating the impact), and 3) Clarity (explaining the research). The committee will make a final recommendation to the Vice-President, Research and Innovation.
Successful applicants will be notified by the end of June 2025. It is expected that recipients will begin working on these projects in the spring/summer term and complete the project by the beginning of November 2025. The SSHRC Storyteller’s Challenge submission period will open in November 2025 and close by January 15, 2026.
For questions regarding this opportunity, please contact Dr. Batia Stolar, Associate Vice President, Research and Graduate Studies at: admin.research@lakeheadu.ca