“We are, as a species, addicted to story,” says English professor Jonathan Gottschall in his book, The Storytelling Animal. This statement perfectly reflects the power of storytelling in our lives. From the earliest civilizations to modern times, stories have been a fundamental part of human existence. They entertain us, educate us, and shape our understanding of the world. And now, Canada’s Storytellers Challenge seeks to celebrate and promote the art of storytelling by challenging students to share their research through compelling narratives.
The Storytellers Challenge is an annual competition organized by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) of Canada. It invites students from all disciplines to develop creative and engaging narratives that showcase their research. The competition aims to highlight the importance of storytelling in research communication and to encourage researchers to communicate their work to a broader audience.
The theme for this year’s challenge is “My Research in a Minute.” Participants are asked to produce a one-minute video that tells the story of their research in an engaging and accessible way. The entries can touch upon any aspect of the students’ research, from a particular case study to a broader societal issue. The goal is to not only convey information but also to create a memorable and impactful storytelling experience.
One of the main objectives of the Storytellers Challenge is to bridge the gap between academic research and the general public. Often, research findings are confined to the walls of academic institutions and only reach a limited audience. By encouraging students to use creative storytelling techniques, the competition promotes the translation of complex research into relatable and accessible narratives. This not only benefits the general public, but it also helps researchers to think about their work in a new light and gain a deeper understanding of their own research.
Moreover, storytelling is an effective tool for engaging and inspiring people. As humans, we are wired to respond to stories, and they have the power to evoke emotions, capture our attention, and ignite our imagination. Through storytelling, researchers can make their work more relatable and relevant to the everyday lives of people. This not only increases the impact of their research but also promotes a deeper connection between academia and society.
Through the Storytellers Challenge, Canada is also showcasing the talent and creativity of its young researchers. The competition not only encourages students to communicate their research in a creative way but also provides them with a platform to showcase their storytelling skills. Previous winners have used various mediums, such as animation, documentary, and spoken word, to present their research in a unique and engaging manner. This highlights the diverse range of skills and perspectives that students bring to their research, and the potential of incorporating storytelling techniques into the academic world.
Furthermore, the Storytellers Challenge promotes the value of interdisciplinary research. As students from all backgrounds and disciplines are encouraged to participate, the competition allows for the exchange of ideas and perspectives. This not only enriches the overall research landscape but also encourages collaboration and knowledge-sharing amongst students from different fields. By promoting interdisciplinary research, Canada is investing in the development of well-rounded and versatile researchers who can tackle complex issues from various angles.
Another aspect that makes the Storytellers Challenge unique is the focus on visual storytelling. In today’s digital world, the power of visual media cannot be underestimated. With the rise of social media platforms and online content consumption, visual storytelling has become an essential tool for reaching a wider audience. By encouraging students to present their research in a visually appealing way, Canada’s Storytellers Challenge is keeping up with the trends and reaching out to a new generation of viewers.
In conclusion, Canada’s Storytellers Challenge is not just a competition; it is a movement that celebrates the power of storytelling in research communication. By promoting creative and engaging narratives, the competition is breaking down the barriers between academia and society, and inspiring a new generation of researchers. As English professor Jonathan Gottschall said, “We are addicted to story,” and Canada’s Storytellers Challenge is challenging students to use this addiction to their advantage and share their research with the world in a captivating and impactful way.
