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Each year, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) offers postsecondary students across Canada the opportunity to creatively share the real-world impact of their research through the SSHRC Storytellers Challenge. Students have three minutes or 300 words to communicate how their research is working to realize a better future. Twenty finalists receive $3,000 with the final five winners earning an additional $1,000. Two �ʹ�����’s students are among this year’s finalists.

�ʹ�����'s finalists

Noor Ajel, a fourth-year student in the Bachelor of Health Sciences program examines how cultural context can shape how we process information and make decisions in her presentation “.” She analyzes this concept through examples of Eastern and Western cultural and social practices. Particularly, in how the same behaviours or actions can be perceived differently to inform someone’s perception of another’s inner state. She also explains that these initial cultural or social references can be subconscious on the part of the perceiver. Ajel is an undergraduate researcher in the Culture and Cognition Lab at �ʹ�����’s led by Li-Jun Ji (Psychology).

Sarah Nassar, a MASc student in Smith Engineering’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is investigating the duality of AI in providing opportunities for healthcare advancements while also posing significant concerns. Her presentation, “,” breaks down the concerns with AI into the areas of privacy, bias, environmental impact, justice, disinformation, and trustworthiness. Nassar’s project is looking at the potential AI offers specifically for the ICU but raises the critical issue of establishing trustworthiness in AI before it can support positive impacts. Nassar is a member of the led by Gabor Fichtinger, Canada Research Chair in Computer-Integrated Surgery, and the led by Parvin Mousavi, Canada Research Chair in Medical Informatics, at �ʹ�����’s.

Storytellers Showcase

The SSHRC Storytellers Challenge encourages participants to make their research accessible and relatable, helping Canadians see how academic knowledge can contribute to solving social, technological, and health-related challenges. Ajel and Nassar are among a total of eleven �ʹ�����’s students who have made it to the Challenge's finals since the contest began. 

Each of the 20 finalists will present their research to a live audience at the Storytellers Showcase, part of the Science Writers and Communicators of Canada conference on June 13 in New Brunswick. The judging panel will assess presentations on their creativity or engagement, persuasiveness, and clarity. The public also has an opportunity to participate through the Engagement Prize. Determined by an online vote, the winner will receive an additional $1,000 as a people’s choice category.

To learn more about the SSHRC Storytellers Challenge, view the submissions from Ajel, Nassar, and other finalists, and find details for the public vote, visit the .